To bridge the gap between law enforcement and the local community, Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command (KPAC) hosted “Coffee With A Cop” at the end of July.
The initiative is an opportunity for New South Wales Police to engage with the citizens in their district, learn of any issues, and promote social cohesion.
“Coffee With A Cop” first started in Fairfield in 2013 and has since been adopted by other stations across Greater Sydney and NSW. Typically held in community centres or high-traffic areas around the community, KPAC held the campaign at St Ives Shopping Village beside Mrs. Jones the Baker.
Sergeant Stephen Whalley spoke to the value of the event. ‘People that come are able to tell us things they may not otherwise want to report to the [police] station,’ says Sergeant Whalley. ‘Sometimes people don’t report because they think if something isn’t actually an offense, there is no point…But if a suspicious car might be parked on the street for two weeks, we might find out it is stolen. Having [Coffee With A Cop] to speak with the community is important for us.’
At St Ives Shopping Village, many residents were engaged in conversations with police officers and Ku-ring-gai Police Area Command representatives. Present was Multicultural Community Liaison Officer, Fiona Zhou, seen addressing the large turnout of Mandarin-speaking citizens, who were taking photographs and getting to know their local police force.
With a diverse cultural community in Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby that has residents hailing from all over the world, knowledge of how police operate in NSW may not be clear. Sergeant Whalley comments how “Coffee With A Cop” dispels preconceived ideas about police and distinguishes them from law enforcement practices that occur in other nations.
Senior Constable Gemma Walker, Crime Prevention Officer for KPAC, organised the event. It is the hope of KPAC that “Coffee With A Cup” can be held on a quarterly basis. It has been held in Westfield Hornsby at two points during 2023, and at Berowra Village Shopping Centre in May of this year.
‘It’s a simple concept: Police officers and community members come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee,’ says Acting Superintendent, Michelle Mathieson. ‘One of the keys to Coffee with a Cop’s success is that is removes the physical barriers that routinely exist between police officers and community members, allowing for the relaxed, one-on-one interactions which are the necessary foundation of partnerships.’