Police departments throughout the country look for ways to connect and engage with their local communities to support better community relations.
One of the most common ways of doing this is with programs like Coffee with a Cop, which the Cherry Hill Police Department holds regularly.
The most recent was held at Ponzio’s Diner on Sept. 10, with Mayor Dave Fleisher and members of the township council also taking part in the initiative.
Councilman Daniel DiRenzo was one of those in attendance, speaking with residents and police as the two hour event went on.
“I’ve already seen it work,” he relayed. “One officer sat down with a resident who had some questions and they talked for about half an hour.”
The department had set up a table in the front of the restaurant, next to the case of baked goods, giving out cups, pens, rubber wrist bands and stickers, as well as pamphlets with community resources.
Officer Anthony Amato was primarily responsible for setting up the event, which is held quarterly.
“We try to go to different businesses throughout Cherry Hill Township, generally speaking an establishment that does offer coffee, because that kind of ties in everything,” he shared.
As members of the public entered, staff at the diner would offer them something to drink, while other residents would meet with the officers before getting something to eat from the business.
Alana Palmer was one citizen that came out specifically to meet with officers after hearing of the event on Facebook.
“I actually work for a company that gives back to police and stuff, so I was kind of just trying to find a way to connect with more of them…,” she offered.
Businesses throughout the township have been open to hosting, allowing for the department to move around throughout the area.
“Usually we’ve been pretty successful with the businesses,” Amato said “They’re willing to participate. They’re excited to have us come in, and it’s just, it’s great because then we get to establish the relationship with the business.”
The main purpose of the program and other community engagement activities is to give the public the opportunity to speak with officers and bring up any specific concerns or questions they have for the officers that patrol the township.
“The idea behind it is just coffee and conversation, no frills,” Amato said.
“Come and meet your police officers.”
