Vernon Hills police staying connected to community by reading books for kids

With presentations, station tours and other day-to-day interactions with the public on hold, Vernon Hills police have found another way to stay connected with families in town.

Every night at 7 p.m., a video of an officer reading a children's book is posted on the department's Facebook page in a feature called Bedtime Stories.

"It just kind of popped in my head," said Officer Lindsey Laas, who got the idea after taking a home video of her 4-year old son reading a book.

"I figured anything that we can do to interact with the community would be welcomed."

Laas said she had the idea recently but didn't immediately present it. Once she did, there was a lot of interest from the department.

"They just gave me the go ahead to make it work," said Laas, a 10-year veteran of the force.

Officers read the short books from inside their patrol cars, which is another attraction for young viewers.

"Kids like the lights in the squad car," said Laas.

The feature began about a week ago with Laas reading the first selection.

"I read the 'Little Blue Truck,' which is one of our son's favorite books," she said. "The book the officers are reading have a special meaning to them. We're parents. We're human."

Chief Patrick Kreis said the program is an example of the creativity of Laas and other officers, many of whom have small children.

"They're living with this like everybody else," he said. "I think they know what a help this is to have a distraction."

Crime Prevention Officer Jeff Hemesath said he hopes dispatchers, investigators and administrators will participate as well.

"With normal routines disrupted we felt it was a way to put something positive out for the kids and we hope to continue this program as long as the quarantine is in place," he said.