Baysiders embrace Coffee with a Cop

By Pauline Dunn, Capalaba Police Beat, myPolice Bayside
Original article HERE

Thanks to the Bayside community who came out for Coffee with a Cop to say gday to Capalaba Police Officers.

It was a great opportunity for newly appointed Officer in Charge of Capalaba Station, David Candale, to meet and greet with community members at his first Coffee with a Cop event.

It was a super busy morning coinciding with school holidays and the Easter road safety campaign.

Part of our Easter road safety campaign; Operation Wake Up, involves community engagement in getting our message across.

This event allowed us to do exactly that last week, engaged with coffee in hand!

Attending children were happy to hi-five officers and get some free stickers and colouring in material to take home!

Volunteers in Policing and Crime Stoppers were very busy handing out brochures and giving advice to the community.

We’re often asked what people want to know at these Coffee with a Cop events, so here are several questions often asked.

1. The little people want to know, “Is that a real gun?” and “How do you keep us safe?”

We like to get the message out there that “Cops are cool!” – It says so on our stickers, so it must be true!

2. “How much does that stuff weigh?”

(referring to vests, gun, tazer and policing accoutrements)
There are always lots of discussions around this.

3. “How do I report hooning/drug/sensitive information without giving my details?”

We advise the public to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 (24hrs).

4. “Can you give me info on scams and what do do if I’ve been scammed?”

Scamwatch is the best place to start to report scams. For more information, click here.

5. “How can I join the Police?”

Many people often ask about the QPS recruitment process. Keep an eye out for Career Seminars happening near you. For more information click here.

6. “How do I contact Police in times of need?”

In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). It is not necessary to contact your local station.

To report a crime not currently in progress, contact Policelink – available 24 hours a day.

7. “What happens when I call Policelink on 131 444?”

A Client Service Officer will answer your call and, where required, will seek clarification/advice from a Police Officer.

They can take your non-urgent reports and assist with general Police enquiries.

Where appropriate, they may issue you with a report number.

Thanks to everyone who came along to make it another successful Coffee with a Cop event.

We would also like to acknowledge the continued support from Eric and Gayle from Writer’s Reserve for sponsoring our event.

We would also like to thank Cafe Two 14 who supplied the fabulous coffee for us all to enjoy.

Stay safe this Easter and we hope to see you all at our next event.