LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska is one of the nation’s first states to take advantage of a new federal training program designed to improve relationships between officers and their communities.

Agencies including the Nebraska State Patrol and the Omaha and Lincoln police departments have already started running officers through the Blue Courage program with help from a federal grant. Gov. Pete Ricketts and law enforcement leaders touted the program during a news conference Monday at the Capitol.

The U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance has provided assistance for the program in Nebraska, Washington state, Arizona and Baltimore County, Maryland.

Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center Director Bill Muldoon says the program is designed to reduce cynicism among officers, remind them of their impact on communities and emphasize a commitment to public service.