Police use caffeine to break down barriers

By Matt Collins, South Burnett Times
Original article HERE

COFFEE WITH A COP: Sergeant Samantha Giles shares a cuppa with Kingaroy resident, Sue Algate.KINGAROY residents enjoyed a good old fashioned chin-wag with the local constabulary as part of the Coffee with a Cop event this morning, December 12.

Senior Constable Rob Firman, who has been with Kingaroy police since 1999, said the Coffee with a Cop event was a good opportunity to break down barriers between police and the public.

“It gives the public the opportunity to talk with us and find out more about what we do and discuss any issues they have,” he said.

At the event hosted by Muffin Break, Cnst Firman enjoyed the chance to chat to the public about some less serious matters.

“It’s great, I’m getting some good ideas for where to go on holidays,” he said.

Barry Krosch, who retired from the police force close to 15 years ago, said the event was a good excuse for a reunion, seeing some of his former colleagues for the first time in more than 40 years.

“I last saw some of these guys in 1975, we are going to meet like this whenever they have these events,” he said.

“A lot of the retired guys still do a lot of good in the community, they are just really good mates.”

Kingaroy Shoppingworld centre manager, Chris O’Rourke was proud to be involved in this unique event.

“It’s great to have that positive presence in the centre,” he said.

Kingaroy resident, Sue Algate enjoyed an in-depth chat with Kingaroy sergeant, Samantha Giles.

“I wanted to come along to support the event,” she said.

“I think the police do a great job, they have helped me out several times.”

Ms Algate enjoyed a chance to sit down and have a relaxed chat with one of our hard-working officers.

“I had a great chat with Sam, it was a lovely conversation,” she said.

“I’d have coffee with her any time.”

Organisers are hoping to host the Coffee with a Cop event every three months and encouraged more residents to come along to the next event to share a conversation.