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Coffee With a Cop perks up community engagement for Johnstown department
By Kelly Urban, The Tribune-Democrat
Original article HERE
Grab a cup of joe and have a chat with a police officer.
On Friday, the Johnstown police held its Coffee With a Cop program, and officers were out at Johnstown Sheetz locations in Moxham, Kernville and Cambria City talking with residents who happened to stop in to grab breakfast or their morning coffee.
“We started this a couple years ago, and it’s a no-agenda, comfortable zone where people can come and talk to police officers,” said police Capt. Chad Miller outside of the Moxham Sheetz. “It’s hard to get into arguments with people when you’re sharing bread and drinks together.”
Those coming into the stores were treated to a free cup of coffee during the event.
“Let us know what’s going on in your neighborhood and tell us what you’re seeing,” Miller said.
“It’s a much more comfortable setting than being pulled over on the side of the road or something happens and you have to call us to come talk to you.”
He said most interactions with police officers happen when you did something bad, something bad happened to you or something bad is going on.
“Very rarely do you get to talk to us and build a relationship with us when there’s not a bad situation and you’re already elevated and angry, so this is one of those times where we want to get out there and try to build those relationships with the community,” Miller said.
Moxham resident Sue Bopp said the program is a wonderful chance for the community to connect with officers and vice versa.
“You’re not just a voice on the phone, they get to know you a bit,” Bopp said. “To me, it makes me feel more comfortable knowing that you have that opportunity to talk to them.”
She added that it’s important to have a connection with the police so they can become more than just a stranger.
“The more personalization you can add into it the better it’ll be,” Bopp said.
Michael Allen said the Johnstown police do a admirable job with what they have to work with.
“The police are always very cooperative, and they come to our neighborhood watch meetings. We have a good relationship with them,” the Moxham resident said. “It’s important they know what we’re going through and that we understand the steps have to take to keep our neighborhoods safe.”
Allen believes the program is a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to officers and share a few thoughts.
“I don’t think we can get to know each other too well,” he said. “The better they know what’s going on and the better we know how to explain things to them the better they can do their job.”
Johnstown police plan to hold Coffee With a Cop quarterly and then eventually once a month.
“The whole purpose is to put a face to the badge,” Miller said. “We want to build personal relationships and we are invested in this community.”
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