LPD stops by Lincoln libraries to teach kids about policing

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Lincoln City Libraries are holding several “Badges and Books” events with LPD officers over the next few days.

The first one was on Saturday at the Walt Library.

Community Education Officer Jason Hellmuth read to kids and shared with them what he does as a police officer.

“I think they were very involved,” he said. “I think they very much so had a good time, and I know I did.”

The kids also learned about personal safety, how to interact with police, and what tools they use to do their jobs.

“I think it’s very important to interact with kids at this age because this starts to build a trust,” he said. “It sets in motion the idea that they learn that police officers are there to help them.”

Hellmuth said making young people comfortable around law enforcement is what community policing is all about.

He said it’s important the community sees police regularly and “not just when an emergency occurs, or when they are having ‘the bad day.’ They get to see us on a good day.”

Hellmuth will be doing two more of these events, one at the Eiseley branch on Sunday and the Anderson Branch on Monday.