GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – It’s well known that cops love coffee and the Green Bay Police department is looking to chat with community members over a cup of joe.
It’s an initiative called “Coffee with a Cop” and on Wednesday Green Bay Officers were at Starbucks on Military Avenue and the Daily Buzz in downtown Green Bay.
Lieutenant Steve Mahoney says the event is an effort to eliminate any barriers or intimidation a person might feel when talking to a cop.
“Yes, it’s a badge and a uniform, but we are people as well,” says Lieutenant Mahoney. “A lot of us live in this community and we obviously all work in this community, so we want to help.”
Interestingly enough, it’s often times community members that end up helping the officers.
“They might know something that’s going on, that we have no clue is going on,” explains Lieutenant Mahoney.
The initiative to spark conversation between community members and officers has gone nationwide and more than 2,000 law agencies participated in the movement on Wednesday.
One point that the Green Bay Police Department has made is that they always want to hear from the community, not just on a special occasion, such as Wednesday.
“Whether it’s on a bicycle, walking, we really want to engage the community,” says Lieutenant Mahoney. “If they have a question or concern, by all means, go up and talk to them.”
Lieutenant Mahoney was one of the officers hanging out at the Daily Buzz, which is located on East Walnut Street in downtown Green Bay. He says there has been a common concern being voiced in the area.
“Pedestrian safety,” explains Lieutenant Mahoney. “Some of the issues are drivers that are approaching up on the crosswalks and not allowing the pedestrian to cross.”
More information on the national initiative can be found here.
