GRPD reaches out to residents in community networking event

Following the success of their first Coffee with a Cop event, the Grand Rapids Police Department has decided to hold another community meet & greet on October 29. All residents are invited to head down to Arnie’s from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and have a chat with beat officers.

“We had a good turnout for the event and several people came just to talk to us. We feel that if even one person comes and shares their concerns, or gets to know us better, then the event is a success,” says Officer Amanda Linklater.

Officers will be there to answer questions and listen to any concerns you might have involving your community. At the first Coffee with a Cop event, residents came from several different areas and brought neighborhood matters to the officers’ attention.

“Each concern was different as there were different neighborhoods represented. The beat officers indicated that it was good to touch base with the community and hear about their concerns,” says Linklater.

Some residents had criticism over the past location choice, because they felt that the GRPD should support local coffee shops.

“We chose Tim Hortons because they are active in the Southwest Area Neighborhood Association and supportive of both the police department and the neighborhood. We will be holding several more events and approaching other local establishments for their support. We want to branch out and visit as many neighborhoods and coffee shops/restaurants that will have us,” explains Linklater.

Local coffee shop owners are encouraged to contact the GRPD and sponsor a Coffee with a Cop event for their neighborhood. If you’d like to know your community officers better, stop by for a quick coffee (or cupcake) and chat with officers at Arnie’s this Tuesday.