Dozens turn out for Killeen Coffee with a Cop event

By Emani Payne, KCEN
Original article HERE

Dozens of community members and police officers packed into the Coffee Beanery on Clear Creek Thursday afternoon, to participate in Killeen PD’s Coffee with a Cop event. Attendees enjoyed coffee while having conversations on matters important to them.

Police Chief Charles Kimble says the goal is to create and keep open dialogue between residents and police officers.

“We truly believe as the community is connected, the community becomes safer. We want to get to know each other, have a civil conversation and explain some things you’ve always wanted to ask a police officer,” said Kimble.

Lieutenant Tony McDaniel says the event is also about showing the community police officers are human, just like everyone else.

“A better communication line allows us to fight crime more, but it’s really about the dialogue.If you want to speak with your police officers come on down and talk with us, we’re human and drink coffee just like you so come on down,” said McDaniel.

Longtime Killeen resident Sara Holt says she comes to these events often, to talk about topics ranging from weather, to children, to crime.

“We’re concerned and we want to be able to talk to the police department. I think that this builds a lot of community and bonding that this city needs,” said Holt.

Several City leaders were also in attendance including Councilman Gregory Johnson. Johnson says it’s important everyone in the community is doing their part to bridge the gap.

“Our officers are engaged and our citizens are working to build that relationship that we badly need. If we’re talking about making our city a safer place we need everyone involved,” said Johnson.

For information about the next Coffee with a Cop event follow the Killeen Police Department here.