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 "Coffee with a Cop" on Thursday 23 February 2017 statewide, with 87 events being held across 73 Local Area Commands.
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.
"We wanted 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 Field Operations, Acting Deputy Commissioner Frank Mennili.
The campaign began in Fairfield Local Area Command in 2012 and 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 a statewide event," Acting Deputy Commissioner Mennili 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 Local Area 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.
