Clarksville police visit local barbershop to build community relations

By Clarksville Now
Original article HERE

In an effort to find new and innovative ways to reach out to the community, the Clarksville Police Department (CPD) recently visited a local barbershop to chat with citizens.

The department has hosted several “Coffee with a Cop” meetings and decided to try another comfortable and nonthreatening environment to start conversations. Chief Al Ansley, borrowing an idea from a successful program in Raleigh, North Carolina, gathered other officers to visit Mona Lisa’s Barbershop (1933 B Tiny Town Road) to meet and talk with local residents.

“The conversation flowed freely, covering a wide variety of topics and the casual environment facilitated a great exchange of ideas and information,” CPD spokesman Jim Knoll said. “There were many light-hearted moments as the customers flowed in and out of the shop and joined in the conversation to get questions answered, provide feedback, and express their opinions to the officers.”

Chief Ansley and Officer Coz Minetos even got haircuts while they chatted with community members in the shop.

“The first Chat and a ‘Cut’ seemed to be favorably received, so don’t be surprised if you see officers in a barbershop near you,” Knoll said.