Topeka Police Officers hear community concerns over coffee

By Natalie Dattilio, WIBW
Original article HERE

Topeka Police were all ears with community members Thursday morning.

Some giant inflatables announced officers were continuing their ‘Coffee With A Cop’ tradition, this time at the McDonald’s on Kansas Avenue. They use it as a chance to bond with members of the community in an informal setting.

Officers say while they do protect the city, they are also members of the community and the event is a chance for them to know their neighbors and vice versa.

“You’ll see the officers just sit down and have b.s. conversations with people,” Police Chief Bill Cochran said. “Having a good time, laughing, joking, and just them asking you ‘when are you going to get tomatoes’ and stuff like that. It’s just really exciting when we get out in the public and talk with people and hear what’s going on in their lives.”

The tradition started in April of 2017.