WARNER ROBINS POLICE HOSTS ‘COFFEE WITH A COP’

By Karlisha Booze, WMGT
Original article HERE

Some people have never held a conversation with a cop unless it’s an emergency.

Houston County residents say it’s no different than talking to a friend. when they’re not out serving and protecting, they’re just regular people.

“They’re fathers, they’re sons, they’re daughters and so when they go home to their families, We want other people in the community to know that they’re just like you,” says Public Information Officer Jennifer Parson.

Warner Robins Police got a chance to get up close and personal with residents living in Houston County.

They introduced themselves and spoke with people over a cup of coffee. Parson says this time gives officers a chance to answer questions from the public when they’re not responding to a call.

“Some have concerns about why is there speeding in my neighborhood? What can I do to protect my house from robberies and things like that. So we try to give them advice and let them know that we are here for them anyway possible,” Parson explains.

Parson says the goal is to gain citizen’s trust.

“Building relationships ahead of time and having those relationships already in place, and community events like this is just a reinforcement of that,” Chief Brett Evans adds.

Warner Robins Police host coffee with a cop several times a year throughout the city. Their goal is to meet face-to-face with as many people as possible.

This was the third coffee with a cop event this year. Coffee with a Cop started in California in 2011. Warner Robins Police was the first department to bring it to middle Georgia in 2014.