Pizza engagement with Suisun police proves popular evening event

By Susan Hiland, Daily Republic
Original article HERE

Coffee with a Cop is not a new idea. Local residents spend the morning with local police officers from various units.

It was something a little different Thursday night during Pizza with the Police at Round Table Pizza.

Volunteer Katrina Garcia got the event organized and made sure the tables were ready.

“This is the first time for something like this,” she said.

Suisun City’s new police chief, Aaron Roth, is bringing some new ideas to town for better community engagements.

“I wanted to switch it up,” he said. “A lot of people can’t do an early morning Coffee with Cops because of work. This way it was after work but it is the same premise.”

About five police officers, two dispatchers and Garcia came out to talk with people over free pizza with bread and drinks.

Roth spoke on expanding the volunteer program in the future, hopefully bringing in more community members to help with different programs.

“I’m looking for volunteers with a particular skill set,” he said. “Being able to be the eyes and ears of the community.”

The police are also looking at a Neighborhood Watch program. It’s been slow getting it started because of people’s busy schedules.

“We know people go on the internet to Nextdoor, Twitter and Facebook,” he said. “But does anybody think to call the police instead?”

The police don’t monitor these different platforms; they just don’t have the people to do so. Doing it old-school and picking up the phone would be the best way to see a response.

Police answered questions about homelessness and other issues. It was also just some time to talk with people.

Bob McDermott of Suisun City still believes it is a bedroom community and small enough for a successful Neighborhood Watch.

“But people are working and commuting,” he said. “Once you get home you don’t want to go out again.”

Tim Williams, also of Suisun City, said he has attended several Coffee with a Cop events and enjoys the buzz of people. He was curious to see the difference with a pizza night versus a coffee morning.

“It’s almost festive with the coffee events,” he said. “It’s a great idea.”