EDISON — Township police are again reaching out to residents through the “Coffee with a Cop” program.
Citing the success of the first round of sit-downs in area establishments with township residents, police have announced that they plan to continue the program.
“I am very excited to continue the ‘Coffee with a Cop’ initiative here in Edison,” Police Chief Thomas Bryan said. “I was very pleased with the interactions between myself, members of my command staff and the public during the last round of ‘Coffee with a Cop’ sessions.”
Bryan added that he was pleased with the department’s ability to address the neighborhood- and street-specific concerns of the residents.
The program is based on a concept that was developed by the Hawthorne Police Department in Hawthorne, Calif. It involves a community partnership between local businesses and the Police Department, in which prearranged dates and times are established to host impromptu meetings between members of the Police Department and the businesses’ patrons.
During these meetings, members of the command staff will be available to answer questions or concerns raised by the public in comfortable and inviting spaces, such as diners and coffee shops. Safety brochures and handouts will also be available to those interested.
Members of the public can enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee provided by the establishment.
Upcoming “Coffee with a Cop” sessions are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
March 13: Landmark Diner, 2066 Route 27, Edison, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
March 20: Sunnyside Deli, 1963 Oak Tree Road, Edison, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
March 28: The Coffee House, 931 Amboy Ave., Edison, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
April 4: Starbucks, 1-11 Lincoln Highway, Edison, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.