Lincoln residents share concerns with police over Coffee with a Cop

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Police officers met with Lincoln residents on Wednesday for National Coffee with a Cop Day.

Capt. Don Scheinost said the event is all about community-based policing.

“You feel more relaxed to be able to talk to someone over a cup of coffee rather than maybe a traffic stop out on the middle of the street,” he said.

Scheinost said meeting people in person and getting to know them better can make them more comfortable sharing their concerns.

“We’re human beings just like everybody else,” he said. “That’s the whole idea, is just to communicate. And with text messages and emails, it’s almost becoming a lost art to be able to talk with someone. And that’s one of the things we want to do, is be able to open up that face-to-face communication.”

Officers spoke with people about everything from O Street traffic to the uptick in auto thefts across town.

Aurang Zeb said he spoke to an officer about the new permitless concealed carry law, as well as his worries about people texting and driving in Lincoln.

Zeb said he used to be afraid of police, but having these kinds of interactions makes it easier.

“I have good luck whenever I call the police,” he said. “They show up very quick and try to save our life. Some people think, ‘Oh, they’re our enemy.’ No, they’re not our enemy; they’re here to protect you and your family and your kids.”

Acting Chief Michon Morrow said during her 26 years in Lincoln, she’s always thought that police had a good relationship with the public.

She said despite challenges, they’ve stayed engaged with the community.

She said these conversations are beneficial to creating a safer environment in Lincoln.

“We need to listen,” Morrow said. “We need to understand our community and the needs, the concerns that they have. It allows us to be more proactive when we understand what those needs are.”