'Coffee with a Cop' program in Laconia starts on April 20

LACONIA – My Coffee Shop owner John Morin said yesterday his restaurant will be hosting the first Coffee with a Cop community meeting on Monday, April 20, from 9 to 10 a.m.

During that time, Police Chief Christopher Adams and Sgt. Gary Hubbard will be available to talk to and answer questions from area residents about policing, particular problems they have in their neighborhood, and how they can help police make their neighborhoods safer.

"It is a simple concept," said Adams. "Police and community members come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee."

The Coffee with a Cop program was announced at a Police Commission meeting at the beginning of this year as one of the department's goals for 2015.

As a outreach tool to the community, the program has been used successfully by police departments across the nation to remove the physical barriers and crisis situations that can typically define the relationship between the police department and its citizens.

"Instead it allows for relaxed, informal, one-on-one interactions in a friendly atmosphere," said Adams.

Coffee with a Cop and programs like it are being used by other local police departments. Belmont Police Chief Mark Lewandoski has been going to various neighborhoods for years and talking to residents and Gilford Police Chief Anthony Bean Burpee has begun his department's program with a coffee session at the Gilford Library.

My Coffee Shop is located at the intersection of Court and Academy streets.