New Tupelo police event called a success

By William Moore, Daily Journal
Original article HERE

djr-2018-09-18-news-pop-with-copp1More than 100 people of all ages showed up at Busylad Rent-All Monday afternoon to meet police officers, eat popcorn and have fun.

“It turned out great,” Lt. Katarsha White, the Tupelo Police Department community oriented policing coordinator, said of the first Pop with a Cop. “We had an after-school program drop by. Plus we had parents and grandparents who brought children to meet the officers.”

In the past, the department has held the meet and greet events, called Coffee with a Cop, in the mornings. When Busylad approached White, they wanted to do something different. They wanted to shift the event to the afternoon to make it more conducive for parents and children to attend. Then they threw in popcorn and inflatables.

“Sometimes it’s hard for folks, especially parents, to get out to events in the mornings,” said Ellen Aycock. “I think this is the cutest idea.”

For 90 minutes, the showroom floor of the McCullough Boulevard business was filled with uniformed officers, parents, grandparents and lots of kids.

Melissa McDuffie said a note from preschool on her daughter’s book bag prompted her to bring her three children.

“My children love popcorn,” McDuffie said. “Plus, my husband was deployed (with the National Guard) with several cops.

“Police have a special place in our hearts. They go unappreciated often, so it’s good to come out to something like this.”

Lauren Darsey said it was an excellent chance for her 5-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son to put a friendly face on the concept of police officer.

“Whenever we get in the car, I remind them that we have to buckle up or the police will give us a ticket,” Darsey said. “It’s a fun opportunity for them to meet a police officer. Plus, they love popcorn.”

White said the event proved the concept of the afternoon meet and greet. She hopes to schedule more in the future.

“This is something else we can do to reach the public, especially children,” White said. “Whether it’s popcorn, cookies, Coke or lemonade, this is something we will be looking at again.”