The NSW Police Force is inviting the community to join them for a coffee as part of the "Coffee with a Cop" initiative to strengthen relationships and build on community partnerships, NSW Police say.
Officers from around the state will host the second annual "Coffee with a Cop" event on Tuesday 8 May 2018 statewide, with 89 events being held across 58 Police Area Commands and Districts.
The initiative originated in the United States and was first adopted by Fairfield Local Area Command to foster stronger community engagement and understanding, under a simple concept.
"The aim is for police officers and community members to come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee; our shout. Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions, raise issues and learn more about police work," said New South Wales Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Walton.
The campaign began in Fairfield Local Area Command in 2012 and local events are held once a month in different locations.
"Feedback from the community and police has been tremendous and turnout continues to grow, which is why we’re hosting the statewide event for a second successive year," A/Deputy Commissioner Walton said.
"There are no agendas, speeches or lectures. It’s a relaxed atmosphere where we want you, the community, to reach out to us and tell us what’s on your mind."
Officers from different commands, including general duties, highway patrol, youth liaison officers, domestic violence and crime prevention will be present and many of them speak a second and a third language in addition to English.
The initiative is part of a strategy used in Fairfield, which is "We Are You."
"We, the police, are part of the community. We work here, we live here, we shop here, our children go to school here. The safety of the community is a shared goal and we want to work towards it together," said Fairfield Police Area Command Commander, Superintendent Peter Lennon.
The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members, one cup of coffee at a time.
"We want to build long-lasting relationships based on trust and common interest," Superintendent Lennon said.
