Community engagement took a hands-on approach in Lincolnton as local children were given the chance to build a personal connection with area police officers and first responders through the "Adopt-a-Cop" program. The Lincolnton Police Department shared their experience on social media after participating in the Maiden Adopt-a-Cop event, which was held last Friday at Maiden Elementary School. The program included representatives from Lincolnton, Maiden and Newton Police Departments, along with Catawba County EMS, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol, as per Lincolnton Police Department.
The day was filled with interactive activities designed to foster relationships between students and law enforcement. According to the Facebook post by the Lincolnton Police Department, they "spent the day at Maiden Elementary School having fun, building relationships, and sharing smiles with some amazing students." The post went on to detail how the event was filled with games and one-on-one interactions, allowing children to ask questions and learn more about the equipment and careers of their community protectors.
This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to create a dialogue and understanding between law enforcement and the communities they serve, starting with the very young. The impact of the program is meant to reverberate beyond a single day, to slowly but surely break down barriers of mistrust or misunderstanding. Representatives of the event highlighted how it was a chance to show the human side of those behind the badge, offering insights into the real people tasked with the responsibility to serve and protect.
"We’re proud to serve, protect, and inspire," the Lincolnton Police Department wrote, emphasizing the dual role police officers carry as both guardians and role models within a community. The Adopt-a-Cop program aims not only to educate but to also humanize those in uniform, allowing them to positively engage with the public in ways that do not solely revolve around emergency or enforcement scenarios. According to the officers involved, the energy and excitement from the students were truly unforgettable.
Community events like these highlight a proactive approach to public safety—building a foundation of trust from an early age. The Lincolnton Police Department and its partners hope to continue these types of outreach programs, advocating for stronger community ties and a better understanding between police and the public.
