“Coffee with a Cop Day” is back this year in Riverhead offering residents the opportunity for informal conversation with Riverhead police officers at four locations across town.
Coffee with a Cop Day will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Riverhead police officers will be at the following locations from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday:
- Bean and Bagel Café, 4426 Middle Country Road, Calverton;
- El Deli Chapin & Grocery, 303 Osborn Avenue, Riverhead;
- Goldberg’s Bagels, 138 E. Main Street, Riverhead; and
- Duffy’s Deli, 1566 Main Road, Jamesport.
The public is invited to stop in for a chat with officers at any of these locations.
Coffee with a Cop is a national program first launched in Hawthorne, California in 2011, the result of a brainstorming session on ways to better connect with the community. The events have now been hosted in all 50 states and the program is considered one of the most successful community-oriented policing programs in the country.
Having a cup of coffee with citizens is “a simple plan to break through the barriers that have been built over the years, whether by shifting demographics or the shift to different and less personal modes of communication,” according to the program.
It opens the door for interactions outside of the crisis situations that typically bring law enforcement officers and community members together, organizers say.
Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller implemented the program in Riverhead in 2016.
It’s a great way to connect with residents and get to know each other over a cup of coffee, police said in a press release announcing this year’s event.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.
