Coffee with a Cop Encourages Community Conversation
NOTE: Next Coffee with a Cop is Monday, August 7 at 7:30am at McDonald’s. (This article was previously published for National Coffee with a Cop Day.)
Enjoy a cup of Joe with the men in blue this Monday.
A casual way to engage with citizens, Marshfield Police Department has hosted several Coffee With A Cop events throughout the past year, and this Monday’s event will be another opportunity for all citizens to chat with local law enforcement about any concerns or questions they may have.
“It’s an opportunity to engage with the community, and them with us,” said Chief Rick Gramza, who first learned of the “Coffee With A Cop” idea from another department. “It gives people a platform to address any concerns.”
Gramza said that public reaction has been positive, though he would like to see more citizens involved. “I like the concept, and I’d like to make it grow,” he said.
Coffee With A Cop has been held throughout town, at Biggby Coffee, McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, and The Daily Grind. Businesses have been extremely supportive, even generously picking up the tab for these events.
Along with facilitating citizen engagement, the events also provide experience for the officers.
“I just want us to be approachable,” said Gramza. “We are just average men or women doing a job.”
He added that people often perceive them as “too busy” for certain concerns, but Gramza encourages anyone with a question or concern to speak up, as he and his department exist to serve the community.
National Coffee With A Cop Day is October 7.
