HAVE you ever wanted to have a cup of coffee with your local police officer?
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Next Thursday, February 23 you’ll get the chance.
Coffee with a Cop is a statewide community engagement program, designed to see police and community members come together to discuss community issues and build relationships, as the name suggests, over a cup of coffee.
Three Coffee with a Cop events will be held in the Shoalhaven next Thursday, from 7.30am at the Milkwood Bakery in Queen Street, Berry; from 10.30am at The Hopper Society in Kinghorn Street, Nowra; and from 3pm at the Sandbar Cafe and Gaia Farmer’s Markets at Ulladulla Civic Centre.
“Shoalhaven police have organised the events to give the local community a chance to speak with their local police,” said Shoalhaven LAC Inspector Susan Charman-Horton.
“It’s a chance for the community to get to know us.”
Insp Charman-Horton said one of the best things is for young children to recognise police and know they are there to help.
“Most of our contact with the public is during emergency or emotional situation,” she said.
“Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.
“We want the community to feel comfortable being able to speak with us; because we are members of the community too.
“There is no agenda and no set conversations to be had. We just want people to know we are part of the community and we are here to support and serve their needs.
“We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers.”