Coffee with a cop at the Shepparton Library

By Laura Briggs, Shepparton News
Original article HERE

Community members have shared in conversations over coffee with four local police members as part of the Shepparton police initiative Coffee with a Cop.

The Shepparton Library hosted the small gathering yesterday morning to coincide with a number of law-themed gatherings being held throughout Law Week for 2019.

Shepparton Library manager Corrinne Hills said she was pleased to see a great turnout.

‘‘There’s a broad range of people here today.’’

She said the initiative was the ideal way for people to speak with local police in a relaxed environment about issues that might be concerning them.

‘‘It can be a bit confronting to go to a police station, so by having it here at the library it’s a bit more casual for people to come, speak freely and ask questions.’’

Dookie woman Janet Kiddle was one of those who attended the morning.

‘‘The whole concept is just an excellent idea,’’ she said.

Leading Senior Constable Glenn Gibson said the Shepparton police were thrilled to support the event and meet community members.

‘‘The Coffee with a Cop concept is something that’s worked in the past so we’re here continuing that today and hopefully people will get something out of it.’’

Leading Sen Const Gibson said the gathering was a way for community members to get to know some local police who served in their municipality.

‘‘It’s just good to be able to break down barriers between the police and the local community and have conversations.’’

Coffee with a Cop was one of multiple law-focused social events to be held at the Shepparton Library throughout Law Week.