Have a question for police? Ask the Enon chief

In an effort to establish improve communication and report between his department and the community they serve, Enon Police Chief Lew Wilcox would like to have a cup of coffee and visit with Enon residents. I have a feeling he wouldn’t mind if you prefer ice water.

Enon Police Department will host its second Coffee with a Cop this coming Saturday Sept. 16, between 9 and 10 a.m. This event will be held in the Enon Government Center in the council room.

“You can solve a lot of problems sitting at a table with food and drink,” Wilcox said about this relaxed event. “We can talk back and forth. Talk like human beings across a table.”

As Wilcox explained, last winter when they held this event, a mother brought in her son who was very suspicious of police officers. After introductions and some friendly conversation, the little guy was more comfortable and understood the police want to help and protect.

So folks this is a great time to ask those questions that you’ve been wondering about but don’t want to make a big deal out of it. I think I would ask about those big booms that people post about on Facebook but no one seems to know what caused them. I have a friend who would like to ask what should someone do about a neighbor’s dog that barks constantly? This is a great time for such a conversation.

I took the opportunity to ask Chief Wilcox what we should do when stopped by an officer. And I specifically asked what should a person with a concealed carry permit do when stopped. How can we communicate that we are not threats?

Wilcox suggested that both hands on the top of the steering wheel or on top of the head, would put an officer at ease until the officer says it’s OK to put the hands down. Follow the officer’s instructions, he said.

“I’ve always felt that comply now and complain later was a good idea,” he said.

The chief was easy to talk with and I hope Enon residents will take this opportunity to chat with him and his officers in a casual setting.

Keeping those lines of communication open is important with law enforcement, schools, neighbors, co-workers, etc. This Saturday’s coffee can be a good first step.