Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke is encouraging the community to continue the involvement and momentum behind today’s ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event.
The Murrumbidgee, Hume and Riverina Police Districts held the event this morning in Griffith, Leeton, Goulburn, Wagga, Tumbarumba and Lockhart.
However, for residents who sit in the Chifley Police District the event will take place next month in Cowra.
“Coffee with a cop gives the Cootamundra electorate community the opportunity to have a chat with local police in an informal and relaxed environment to discuss community safety issues that matter to them,” Ms Cooke said.
“People usually only seek out police when they are victim or a witness of crime, and they are at their most vulnerable. This is not an optimal time to build relationships.
“This initiative gives local residents the chance to get to know the cops based in their community and learn about the critically important work they do to keep us safe, day in and day out.
“As a Government, we want to make sure that every member of our community feels that they can approach our men and women in blue.
“I encourage residents of Cowra to drop by and have a chat with the officers from the Chifley Police District at the Rogue Carriage Café on Wednesday, June 6 at 9.30am,” she added.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said for police to be effective in keeping NSW safe they must have positive relationships with local communities. This initiative is one way in which our cops are proactively building those connections.
“People across the state should take advantage of this day and go and speak to their local officers who work tirelessly to keep them safe,” Mr Grant said.
‘Coffee with a Cop’ is an initiative that was born in the United States, aimed at advancing the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and members of the community.
