City Hallways (Oct. 5) ‘Coffee with a cop’ day

By Deidre Williams, The Buffalo News
Original article HERE

Most people are used to dealing with cops when there’s a crisis or emergency situation.

But on Wednesday, “Coffee with a Cop” day was an opportunity for neighbors and residents to hang out and chat with police officers over a free cup of coffee and donuts.

“Coffee with a Cop” is a national law enforcement program that brings together police officers and the communities they serve in an informal environment.

For police officers, the program provides opportunities – outside of crisis situations – to relax and chat with neighbors.

For community members it’s a chance for distraction-free conversations with the men and women whose mission it is to serve and protect.

“Coffee with a Cop” day in Buffalo was hosted by the police chief in each of the five Buffalo police districts and the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority.

“A venue like this is a way you can just talk. It’s a good way for us to  be out here with the community having a nice cup of coffee and talk,” said Chief T. Moran, who heads the A-District. “It’s good for everybody.”

The meet-and-greets ran from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m and were held at Tim Hortons locations at Delaware and Linden avenues; Delaware Avenue and Allen Street; Kensington Avenue and Eggert Road; and inside Tops Market on Seneca Street. Police officers also met with residents at the Schiller Park Community Center on Genesee Street; Martha Mitchell Community Center on Oakmont Avenue; and D-District Station on Hertel Avenue.