Rosebud and Somerville police have cuppa with shoppers at Rosebud Plaza

By Allison Harding, Mornington Peninsula Leader
Original article HERE

Senior Sergeant Steve Wood meet with locals as part of ‘Coffee with a Cop’ at Rosebud Plaza. Picture: Hamish Blair

AN INFLUX of police at Rosebud Plaza was no need for concern — it was just time for “coffee with a cop”.

Members from Rosebud station and Somerville’s proactive policing unit headed to the centre last week to mix with shoppers.

While some people wanted to discuss their speeding fines and hoon behaviour on the streets, others were keen to find out how to apply to join the police force — and plenty of kids were just there for a selfie.

The session was the brainchild of Senior Sergeant Steve Wood, who organised similar programs at shopping centres at his last post in Casey.

“It’s a community engagement exercise that allows the public access to police to have a chat,”
Sen-Sgt Wood said.

“It means they don’t have to come to a police station, but can just ask questions and tell us stories.

“They get to meet local police and get to know a few names.”

The trial sessions will be held monthly at the plaza, starting August 1.

People can stay up to date with police here.