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The department’s second “Coffee With a Cop” is set from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at Allendale Eats! (101 West Allendale Ave. / (201) 825-0110)
Officers will meet with citizens to discuss community issues, build relationships — and drink coffee.
Part of a massive effort by local police nationwide, Coffee With A Cop provides a unique opportunity for citizens to ask questions, learn more about the department’s work and build relationships in “an informal, neutral space,” Police Chief George Scherb said.
“We hope that residents will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” Scherb said. “There is no agenda and there will be no speeches, just casual conversations about our community with those who serve it.”
The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations, the chief noted. Those aren’t always the best times for building relationships.
Some citizens may also feel that officers are too busy to be approached on the street.
Coffee With A Cop allows a relationship to develop one cup at a time. The national initiative is supported by the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
All community members are invited. The coffee is free.
INFO: Allendale PD Officer Vincent Rizzo (vrizzo@allendalepd.org).
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