Officers, Woodland residents find common ground through ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event

By Deo Ferrer, Woodland Daily Democrat
Original article HERE

Officer Brian Olson talks with Woodland resident Jeanette McCarroll about some of the equipment involved in motorcycle police work and his work as a K-9 handler with the department.

In a community outreach effort by the Woodland Police Department, a handful of officers met with people for a cup of coffee at Nugget Market on Friday.

The monthly event offers a laid back opportunity to chat with officers about their concerns for the community.

Although some of the residents asked about area issues such as the homelessness problems in Woodland, the majority of the conversations were not always urgent concerns.

Sgt. Dallas Hyde explained, “Most of the time they (the residents) ask: ‘How can I help?’”

Hyde believes the key to the event is meeting with the community and “putting a name to our faces.”

Woodland resident Ofelia Calderon, who came specifically to meet the officers, echoed the statement saying “It’s nice to see all the faces so you’ll feel comfortable talking to them later.”

Attendees also used the time to ask about some of the equipment used in policing.

And as conversations progress, the officers and residents were able to find common interests and hobbies.

Woodland resident Jim Newman, who has attended a few of the meetings, found out he shares a love of riding motorcycles and fixing up old homes with a few of the officers.

“They face the same problems as everyone else,” Newman explained. “They’re human beings like us but with different jobs.”

Another resident who happens to be a regular to the event appreciates the opportunity to be more of a part of the community and show the officers gratitude for the work they do. “We are very blessed to have the (police) force we have,” said Jeannette McCarroll. “They love their community.”

The “Coffee with a Cop” program has been underway in Woodland since early 2015. It offers police and residents an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee

It’s also an attempt to make people feel more at ease with officers since a majority of their contacts usually happen during emergencies, emotional situations or high-stress events.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

Similar events are being held across the country, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.