NORFOLK, Neb. -- The Norfolk Police Division met with the public at Scooters Coffee in Norfolk to talk about what the police do for the community and to break down barriers between the citizens and police.

Austin Hergott, an officer with Norfolk PD, was an organizer for the event and wanted to give citizens a chance to ask questions and to strengthen the relationship between the department and the public.

“We have a great community, we have a great relationship with our community and we never want to take that for granted,” Hergott said. “We never want to lose that because of something we just didn’t do. We want to continue building on our relationships and stuff like that. So why not do it with just come having a cup of coffee and having a talk.”

The public was able to ask questions to the officers about what they provide to the community, on traffic stops and violations, and general questions or concerns within the Norfolk area.

Hergott said events like this are hosted around the country and wanted to do a similar event in Norfolk.

According to Hergott, officers sometimes meet the public on their worst days and this gives them a chance to meet and talk with officers on a good day.

While not wanting to do this event multiple times a year, Hergott said the department plans to conduct an event similar to this in the fall.