NOT everyone can say they’ve been shouted a coffee by a copper, but now residents in Armidale will be given the opportunity to sit down and chat with their local police officers.
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Coffee with a Cop is an initiative that will be rolled out for the first time in the New England at the Prue and Olive Cafe.
New England Local Area Command Senior Constable Chris Jordan said he was looking forward to hearing the concerns and questions of the community.
“Our motto for this is no agendas or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice your concerns and get to know police officers in your neighbourhood – that’s all it’s about,” Mr Jordan said.
“It breaks down barriers, even fear barriers that police are these scary, ugly people but we’re not, we’re just genuine people who look after our community and love our community as much as they do.”
Police from crime prevention, domestic violence officers, the Aboriginal community liason officer, Superintendent Fred Trench, senior management, detectives and first responders will be at the cafe on the day.
Mr Jordan said he’s already had members in the community call up with questions they’d like to ask.
“It’s a nice neutral environment where it’s relaxing and people can feel free and able to approach us, speak to us about questions or have general conversation," he said.
Police expect to receive a lot of questions about pedestrians, road rules, mobile phone usage, how to use a roundabout, public safety and more.
“We want people to be able to ask questions they might have had in the back of their head for a while, we hope that in a setting like this people can come forward and have an opportunity to get some answers,” Mr Jordan said.
The Coffee with a Cop initiative began in America and will be rolled out across commands statewide.
Officers hope to gain a better understanding of issues that might be troubling the community and to reassure them that measures are being taken.
“We walk away from these things with a better idea of what people are thinking and feeling so it’s beneficial for us just as much as the community,” Mr Jordan said.
“Plus it’s our shout, it’s no cost to anyone, it’s a time for us to dig our hands in our pockets and pay for a cuppa.
“Free coffee from us so come down and have a good time.”
Senior Constable Chris Jordan will be there on the day to answer any questions.
Coffee with a Cop will take place on February 23 from 10am to 11:30am at the Prue and Olive Cafe on Moore Street.