RICHAND, Wash. – Coffee is a drink that people typically get together and have over a conversation. October 4th is National Coffee with a Cop Day and the Richland Police Department invited the community down to talk about issues in the community as well as get together to introduce themselves to everyone.
According to a report by the Hill, trust in police had dropped from 82% in 2020 to 74% in 2021 and the RPD is trying to break this trend.
Richland Police Chief Brigit Clary says building relationships with communities.
“It’s a great opportunity for the police to come out and meet with the community and have organic conversations,” Chief Clary said.
According to Chief Clary, building public trust is the cornerstone to providing effective law enforcement.
“If you met a police officer at Coffee with a Cop and you’ve had a conversation with them, it might be easier when you’re asked to be a witness and provide a statement on a crime,” said Chief Clary.
She goes on to say it’s important to have these conversations in the community.
“We may not know that there’s an issue until we get a chance to talk to a community member and they bring it up, then tell us there is an issue,” said Chief Clary.
Brian Kaner attended the get-together and says it’s really hard to connect with your community, but events like Coffee with a Cop show him there is a connection in the community.
“They’re more than just the cars that drive by us real fast, ” said Kaner. “You know they’re just out there trying to stop bad guys; they’re playing a real role in the community.”
Laurie Kautzman, the owner of The Kozy Kup and Richland community member, says they have this event for a reason.
“Being able to have the outlet for the community as a whole to be able to come in and talk to the officers one-on-one and just answer any questions that they have to build that trust,” said Kautzman.
Clary says events like today’s are just as important to them as it is to the community.
“Meeting this police officer who’s in full uniform and learn that they’re not scary, they’re people,” she said. “You can go to the police when you have a problem, that’s a safe place for you to go.”
If you missed today’s Coffee with a Cop, Chief Clary says they plan on holding another one in mid-January.
