LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The new head of the Nebraska State Patrol is defending his proposed outreach program that would encourage on-duty troopers to attend county fairs, public celebrations, sporting events and church services.

Col. Brad Rice, who has been leading the agency since March, remains committed to the idea of the program even though internal emails obtained by the Omaha World-Herald show that it has been criticized by some.

Capt. Lance Rogers told Rice in an email that the public might not support uniformed troopers attending church while on duty.

Rice says he wants troopers to build relationships with the community.

Rice says the program isn’t intended to let troopers attend their weekly church service with their families while on duty. And church attendance is just one part of the program.