Lincoln marks National Night Out with events aiming to build trust, prevent crime

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — With everything from bingo to bathing suits, National Night Out is bringing community members together with the Lincoln Police Department.

“The main purpose is to get people out to talk to each other but also to talk to us,” said Jason Hellmuth, LPD’s community services officer.

The free events on Wednesday night are part of an initiative to strengthen neighborhood relationships and promote public safety.

Across the capital city, officers will be visiting about 10 to 15 neighborhood celebrations.

Hellmuth said one of the perks is that these events do help to prevent crime.

“You do see a little bit of crime reduction because police are in the area,” he said. “And does it work all of the time? Yes, most of the time. Who’s going to want to do something right in front of me? Not many. What I do find is yes, there is a secondary thing where crime is reduced because they’re seeing officers out in the field.”

He said neighbors being able to meet officers in real time helps protect the community by building stronger bonds.

“We want to make sure we’re having that open, transparent conversation with people as much as we can,” Hellmuth said. “And we want to make sure that they feel comfortable about approaching us.”

Chris Boden of the F Street Community Center said she can see the difference these events make within the neighborhood.

And she thinks it’s even more important for educating and keeping the younger generations safe.

“Individuals don’t even know that these things are available to them, so it gets them here,” she said. “And when people are here, engaged in leisure and activities, that keeps them from making some choices that maybe aren’t as desirable.”