Wellesley police: Finding common ground one cup at a time

By Jennifer Zarate, Wicked Local
Original article HERE

Starbucks nationwide is hosting “Coffee with a Cop,” including the Starbucks in downtown Wellesley at 68 Central St.

On Tuesday, June 6 several residents participated in the event.

“It’s just getting people to meet the officers with no agenda,” said Sgt. Brian Spencer. It’s an opportunity to have friendly conversations and to enjoy “small talk.”

Chief of Police Jack Pilecki said, “We’re trying to remove any stigma of ‘us versus them.’”

Cops are people too, he added.

New to Wellesley, Kathy Trunbull said she got word of the event from the Council on Aging. “I think it’s a great forum for citizens to interact with police.”

It’s also an opportunity for people to ask questions, said Spencer.

Trunbull came out because she wanted to bring up U-turns on Washington Street. “It’s a dangerous situation,” she said. “I was wondering if there’s any signage possible for that… We all want the same thing — a safe community.”

“Up until [‘Coffee with a Cop’] it’s just a guy in a uniform,” said Jerry Kelley, longtime Wellesley resident.

“Every shift we have our officers ’park and walk,’” said Spencer. “When they’re in their car they’re removed from the public. ‘Park and walk’ allows for officers to be more approachable.”

Pilecki said, “Community policing is our philosophy.”

Starbucks partnered with the International Association of Chiefs of Police to expand “Coffee with a Cop,” said Pilecki, helping police departments facilitate the program.

And when he asked Starbucks management, he said they were on board.

“We have a great community,” said Pilecki. “We [also] have great community support.”