Canton police go caroling with residents

By Shaddi Abusaid, Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News
Original article HERE

Carol with a Cop 4.jpg

Canton residents who stopped by Starbucks for their morning cup of joe Wednesday received a pleasant surprise as they were greeted by local police officers there to spread a little holiday cheer.

Canton Police officers converged on the Riverstone Starbucks early to sing Christmas songs with residents, adding a holiday twist to the agency’s regular “Coffee with a Cop” outings.

Beaming from ear to ear, children and adults who stopped by were given Santa hats and police badges as they joined in and helped the officers sing their favorite Christmas songs in the agency’s first ever “Carol with a Cop” event.

“It is important for us to build relationships with the citizens of Canton,” Officer Pacer Cordry said. “We can’t police this city without their help. Caroling with a Cop is an event that helps build those relationships.”

Police Chief Mark Mitchell was also on hand to join in the festivities.

“We do ‘Coffee with a Cop’ each month to engage with citizens outside of what we do,” Mitchell said after singing one last round of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” “Most of the contact we have with residents is in stressful situations, a car accident or perhaps they’ve been the victim of a crime.”

He said it was important to build relationships with the residents they serve, adding that officers also wanted to help “spread some joy” during the holiday season.