Linden Police Host Inaugural “Coffee With a Cop” Event

On Wednesday, April 19th the Linden Police Department held their first “Coffee with a Cop” at Starbucks in Aviation Plaza. There was nothing formal about the event, just a chance for the community to meet with Officers and talk with them over a cup of coffee. Chief Jonathan Parham explained “For many people, their only experience with Police Officers is during a crisis or emergency. By sitting together and getting to know each other in a casual setting we can begin to break down barriers that exist between our Officers and the community.”
The event was sponsored by Starbucks, who offered free coffee and snacks to the dozens of people in attendance. “We were so happy to be able to host this event” said Store Manager Danielle Robertson “Linden is such a great town, and to see everyone hanging out having a good time together was really fun.” For many, the highlight of the event was when Officer Ryan Scott donned an apron and went to work behind the counter. The crowd cheered him on as he attempted to make Starbucks new Unicorn Frappuccino. “It’s a lot harder than it looks” said Scott.
The first “Coffee with a Cop” was held in Hawthorne, CA in 2011. Since then the program has expanded to become one of the most successful community policing programs across the United States. Chief Parham said he was pleased with the turnout for the event, calling it “One in a series of community-focused events the Department has planned for this year.” The Chief also said the Department has plans to host additional “Coffee with a Cop” events later this year.