Back by popular demand, the Coffee with a Cop event returns to Old Greenwich on Wednesday, Jan. 20.
Back in October, Greenwich Police and Upper Crust Bagel’s Robert Guerrieri generously hosted the first Coffee with a Cop event, and many residents embraced the opportunity.
There were not only meaningful conversations, questions asked and answered, and many young people had a chance to meet a police officer and see them as ordinary folks like you and me.
Greenwich Police Chief Heavey and the mini mascot at the Coffee with a Cop event at the Upper Crust Bagel Co on Oct. 18, 2015. Credit: Leslie Yager
Again, on Wednesday, officers from Greenwich Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee at Upper Crust Bagel Company & Deli!
All community members are invited to attend. The event runs from 8:00am to 10:00am on January 20, at Upper Crust Bagel located at 197 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. Please contact Kraig Gray with questions: (203) 622-3620 or [email protected]
Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Greenwich neighborhoods.
Many Greenwich Police officers came to the Coffee with a Cop event on their day off, Oct. 18, 2105. Credit: Leslie Yager
The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies, or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.
“We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” said Chief James Heavey. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.”
At the Coffee with a Cop event, a little boy had his photo taken on the Greenwich Police motorcycle. Credit: Leslie Yager
Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.
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.
See also:
Greenwich Police Bring More than Coffee to Old Greenwich
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Upper Crust Bagel Co owner Robert Guerrieri shakes hands with officer Carlos Franco at the Coffee with a Cop event on Oct. 18, 2105. Credit: Leslie Yager