Meeting Minutes: February 10, 2022
Location: Hy-Vee, 84th & Holdrege | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Present: 16 in attendance
Members Emily Koopmann, Brian Adam, Sydney Stanard, Tara West, Anthony Butler,
Brian Deighton, Kolleen Meyer-Krikac, Jackson Cassidy, Mark Whitehead,
Margaret Burnham, Jen Gollehon
Guests Amanda Dickinson, Living Doors Real Estate
Maddie Gates, Premier Preschool
Fallyn Alleman, Premier Preschool
Audrey, Fresh Start
Chief Teresa Ewins, Lincoln Police Department
Introductions: The minutes from January 2022’s meeting were approved
Member Chair Report: 34 paid members
Reminder was given to those who have not yet renewed
Looking for new members, everyone is welcome
$85 dues
Treasurer’s Report: Tim is on vacation
26 of 34 members have renewed their membership
Social Report: Ashley, Sydney and Tara are working on March event
If anyone has ideas, please let the committee know
Spotlight Speaker: Sydney Stanard, Financial Advisor with Mutual of Omaha
March is Disability Awareness Month. Sydney offers Asset Protection Insurance.
Provided sample quotes
Community Update: Captain Anthony Butler, Lincoln Police Department
Auto thefts have dropped off from year over year. LPD assumes the good weather is the reason. But don’t forget to lock your vehicles.
N. 27th Walmart has had a huge drop in service calls (65%).
Join our Team cards were distributed. LPD is losing employees and are in need recruits. If you know anyone, give them a card. Recruits can be taught how to be a good cop. They just need good people.
Featured Speaker: Chief Teresa Ewins, Lincoln Police Department
Chief Ewins began by saying that she loves coming to meetings like ours and has great regard for Captain Butler. She understands that her job not on an island, she and LPD must work with the business community to build a strong bond.
Recruitment was addressed. She shared they aren’t just losing people to retirement. Other reasons are moving back to the family farm, joining Lincoln Fire Department, and joining the ministry. LPD is looking for trustworthy recruits who want to serve their community.
She was asked about some of the current employment issues. She “wants (our) day in court.” She has no question that the accusations are misguided.
Chief Ewins has been in law enforcement for 26 years of career, most recently in
San Francisco. She’s settled in well in Lincoln and says the department is a great team that works really hard. She values working in smaller departments where you get to know each other, build camaraderie; both in the department and within those you serve.
She believes that businesses are key in building community and stability. She said business owners should not be afraid to report something. It’s about being safe. Ongoing training on how to work with people in different ways will be a priority. Want officers to be able to deescalate situations, which is safer for everyone involved.
She is also evaluating policies, how recruitment is done, current academy structure.
Community engagement is big for Chief Ewins. She wants to hear from community on the needs. Figure out different ways to communicate.
She was asked how she ended up in Lincoln. A head hunter familiar with the job posting encouraged her to check it out out. She was impressed with everything that LPD has. Felt the department and city was very progressive.
Maddie and Fallon asked about engagement with children at Pre-K levels as a way to educate kids that police officers aren’t scary. Ewins and Butler said that many officers are mentors. Ewins cited a Books and Badges program in Tenderloin district of San Francisco that was very successful. It could be reimagined here. Captain Butler said some similar programs and community engagement has been put on hold due to Covid restrictions.
Law enforcement has always been the go-to call for issues (homeless, mental health, addictions, etc). Cities are now starting to hire clinicians, etc. to deal with mental health issues. Ewins requires that officer accompany clinicians on calls for their security.
Other Business: Kolleen had books available for sale
Next Meeting: Thursday, March 10 | Hy-Vee, 84th & Holdrege | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Meeting Adjourned: Respectfully submitted by Tara West on behalf of Kyle Kudron
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