Cops and Coffee

Question: What do you get when several Peoria Police officers, including the deputy chief, host an informal event on a Saturday morning at a McDonald’s?

 Answer: An excellent time with several dozen people from the community you are entrusted to protect and serve.  

           This past Saturday, that was June 10th, I made an effort to attend this casual, yet informative event aptly called "Cops and Coffee." This spectacle of community involvement was held at the McDonald’s in Peoria, located on 91st Avenue and Olive. There were coffee and breakfast refreshments furnished by McDonald’s with local talent supplied by the Peoria Police Department. When I say talent, I am referring to the officers that were there mingling with the civilian participants. Deputy Chief Spaulding and Commander Walls were just two of the men in blue to provide conversation and education to the community that day. Our own State Senator Debbie Lesko was also in attendance listening to the concerns, ideas, and feedback from her constituents.

           An event like this is important for several reasons. First and foremost, I believe gatherings like this help promote a level of trust within the community toward local law enforcement agencies. It gives the persons living within said community direct access to these individuals in a neutral environment. In this situation, they feel equal to, not inferior to, the officers with whom they interact. In turn, this cultivation of trust helps to nurture and grow support from individuals and groups living within the municipality, and in some cases the surrounding area, which is tantamount to the success of any local or state agency. The cascading effect continues from here because with trust and support from those around you a sense of safety is born. The type of security that comes from a complete cohesion of the group. Once this symbiotic relationship is solidified, protection can be achieved for the one or the many. I love it when a plan comes together! Kind of like Han helping Luke destroy the Death Star.

           All joking aside, this event was a success. Throughout the two-plus hours, I was there; people were enthusiastic, inquisitive and appreciative of the officers in attendance. Conversely, the officers were social, informative and non-dismissive toward everyone. The event was slated from 9:00AM-11:00 AM. I arrived early and left late, and people were still coming. It's a testament to the level of community support that is already present for the City of Peoria Police Department. I encourage everyone who reads my articles to find them and like them on Facebook, even if you do not live in the area. This way you can stay abreast of what is happening within other communities in your home state. If you reside in another state, take what you see and go to your local precinct. Share with them what you read and maybe start a community-based program of your own with their help. People assume a single effort can’t make a difference. However, significant accomplishments are achieved by a solo voice taking a stand and choosing to make a difference.