Coffee-with-a-Cop – Knowing each other over a cup of coffee

By Roedolf Walker, the Alberton Record
Original article HERE

ON July 26, the Brackendowns SAPS in partnership with Ithlokomeleng Batho Rehabilition Centre hosted Coffee-with-a-Cop event at the Bracken City Centre.

The idea was to provide a platform to bridge the gap between police officers and communities they serve.

According to some police officers present at the event, normally the public only come into contact with officers when there is trouble, a situation that is not preferable.

The Coffee-with-a-Cop programme started in Vereeniging. The event at the Brackendowns SAPS was the second meeting.

Community members not only had the opportunity to enjoy a Coffee-with-a-Cop event which was sponsored by the programmes partner, Mugg & Bean, but also spoke to the officers about their community concerns and how they could help each other.

The programme was supported by the SAPS, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), security companies and the Community Police Forums ( CPFs).

People were also treated to a musical performance by the Gauteng SAPS choir.