Local communities across the state were encouraged to drop in for a coffee with their local cops on May 8 to help strengthen relationships and learn about the important work officers do to keep people safe.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said people usually only seek out police when they are a victim or a witness of crime and they are at their most vulnerable – not ideal times to build relationships.
“The Coffee with a Cop initiative gives communities throughout NSW the chance to have a chat with local police in an informal and relaxed environment to discuss community safety issues that matter to them,” Troy said.
“If you’ve ever had a burning question about police work in NSW, have a community issue you’d like to raise, or maybe you’d like to become an officer yourself and want to know more about the Force, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more.”
There were nearly 90 Coffee with a Cop events scheduled on May 8 across 58 Police Area Commands and Districts in NSW. Officers from different commands, including general duties, highway patrol, youth liaison officers, domestic violence and crime prevention, were present with many of them speaking a second or third language other than English.
Troy said for police to be effective in keeping NSW safe they must have positive relationships with local communities. This initiative is one way that police can proactively build those connections.
‘Coffee with a Cop’ is an initiative that was born in the US, aimed at advancing the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and members of the community.
For more information about the NSW initiative and upcoming events visit: http://www.police.nsw.gov.au/home
For more information about the global ‘Coffee with a Cop’ initiative visit http://coffeewithacop.com/
