November 11, 2019

National Coffee with a Cop Day

By Dawn DiAngelo, Patch
Original article HERE

On Tuesday, October 2, the Connetquot Public Library hosted National Coffee with a Cop Day. The mission of Coffee with a Cop is to bring police officers and the community members they serve together over coffee. This provides an opportunity to discuss community issues and for the public to learn more about their local police department. The library is located in the Fifth Precinct which serves the southern portion of Brookhaven Town, the eastern portion of Islip Town and the incorporated villages of Patchogue and Bellport.

Police Officers Eric Bowen and Kevin Mischo of the COPE Unit (Community Oriented Police Enforcement) and Police Officer Delfina Rivera who serves as Community Relations Officer, visited the library to answer questions and provide assistance to community members. By working with local organizations, schools, and other civic-based groups, the officers can meet individuals on a one-to-one basis and become involved in a community’s day to day happenings. This helps to establish trust and promote public safety.

Some of the issues addressed during the discussion were crime, bicycle safety, helmets, home alarm systems, domestic issues, stray animals, parking, senior scams, community meetings, and calling 911. The officers shared their experiences on patrol and where to obtain relevant information, noting the value of their social media platforms, Twitter and Instagram. Continued outreach is key. One of the most integral aspects of their outreach involves some of our community’s youngest members. Officer Rivera recently participated in the library’s Touch a Truck event. These primary encounters are a fun and positive way to introduce children to law enforcement and begin a foundation of trust.

The officers also discussed some of their efforts in the community which include coaching sports, school visits, providing positive role models and so much more. Throughout the year the unit participates in career days, car seat inspections, family fun days, food drives, and even Cooking with a Cop. Community members are encouraged to reach out to the unit with concerns or to arrange to have an officer address their organization. We thank the officers for spending the morning at the library and keeping our community safe and informed.