Cuppa coffee with a Cop!

A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa

Police, Cops, Community, Coffee

"Coffee with a Cop" sessions occur internationally on first Wednesday in Oct & at various times throughout NZ - a great way to meet our women and men in blue and share community happenings!

"Coffee with a Cop" brings police officers and the community members they serve together – over coffee – to discuss issues and learn more about each other. This event, which was launched in California in 2011, takes place in parts of NZ at various times during the year, as well as on International Day held on the first Wednesday in October. This Digital NZ story was inspired by Senior Constable Deb Potter who has been available for a chat over a cuppa at Hastings War Memorial Library every Wednesday since June 2018. (See:  Patrick O'Sullivan, "Local Focus: Coffee with a cop proves an arresting offer" (NZ Herald, 29 Sept 2018) 

The following story uses poetic licence to illustrate having a cuppa with a cop by selecting a range of images from DigitalNZ and imagining some dialogue!  

Image: Kevin Schwass, New Zealand Police

Come and meet us for a chat over a cup of coffee.

Kevin Schwass, New Zealand Police

South Canterbury Museum

Image: An energising cup of coffee

We'd like to learn more about each other - one cup of coffee at a time!

An energising cup of coffee

mychillybin

Image: Bryan and Bobby - SNAP

We can discuss matters of interest to you over an informal chat and give advice and direction.

Bryan and Bobby - SNAP

NZ On Screen

Image: BeckerFraserPhotos April 2012 photograph 128

We'll come to meet you at various places - in your city and town.

BeckerFraserPhotos April 2012 photograph 128

UC QuakeStudies

Image: Hastings and District War Memorial Library

We'll pick a neutral place, like our Senior Constable Deb Potter does at Hastings War Memorial Library.

Hastings and District War Memorial Library

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: PCs, Gonville Cafe Library

"As well as those library books, would you like coffee with our local cop?"

PCs, Gonville Cafe Library

Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa

Image: Coffee with a heart

How do you like your coffee?

Coffee with a heart

mychillybin

Image: Cup of tea

Or would you prefer tea? We promise no stirring!

Cup of tea

mychillybin

Image: Beautiful harmony

Or meet at a café (Police & firefighters had a coffee giveaway at a Christchurch café, 2019)

Beautiful harmony

Christchurch City Libraries

Image: Trevor Pullen, police

You'll get to meet your local community police officers. You don't need to book - just turn up on the day.

Trevor Pullen, police

South Canterbury Museum

Image: Christchurch Press Image: John Kirk-Anderson 2010:12:09 15:03:04

We might bring our mobile police base.

Christchurch Press Image: John Kirk-Anderson 2010:12:09 15:03:04

UC QuakeStudies

Image: Meet the police dog academy's latest graduates

You may get to meet our police dogs!

Meet the police dog academy's latest graduates

TV3

Image: Police Escort

By building relationships and trust with community members we serve, our police officers aim to enhance our support.

Police Escort

Kete Horowhenua

Image: Police organise women's recruitment drive

And if you're keen on joining the police as a career, we can give some first-hand advice!

Police organise women's recruitment drive

TV3

Image: Trevor Pullen, police

We may travel on foot to the coffee and chat session.

Trevor Pullen, police

South Canterbury Museum

Image: Constable Mylen Hamilton

Or arrive by car: "10-4, I'm on my way!"

Constable Mylen Hamilton

South Canterbury Museum

Image: Police officer on a bicycle

Or cycle...

Police officer on a bicycle

UC QuakeStudies

Image: Police officer on a bicycle (2)

"Yes, nearly there.."

Police officer on a bicycle (2)

UC QuakeStudies

Image: Police Senior Sergeant Geoff Saunders

The advantage of having a cuppa - no worries afterwards with drink driving!

Police Senior Sergeant Geoff Saunders

South Canterbury Museum

Image: Calendar, Desk

Check Eventfinda and your Police Station's Facebook page to see when the next "Cuppa with a cop" is being held near you.

Calendar, Desk

Puke Ariki

Image: Australian & American Line :Australian & American Line via New Zealand around the world. [Brochure cover. 1890s].

Coffee with A Cop was launched in Hawthorne, California in 2011 by the Police Dpt.: https://coffeewithacop.com/about/

Australian & American Line :Australian & American Line via New Zealand around the world. [Brochure cover. 1890s].

Alexander Turnbull Library

Find out more about local initiatives:

Hastings: Patrick O'Sullivan, "Local Focus: Coffee with a cop proves an arresting offer" (NZ Herald, 29 Sept 2018): https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/news/local-focus-coffee-with-a-cop-proves-an-arresting-offer/4OZODAXB2FOZBPQ7A4TA4WQS6E/

Matamata: Rexine Hawes, " Would you like a police officer with that latte? (Waikato Times, 18 August 2017): https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/life-style/95844501/would-you-like-a-police-officer-with-that-latte

Napier: New Zealand Police: 'Coffee with a Cop' (7 October 2021): https://www.police.govt.nz/news/ten-one-magazine/coffee-cop

Rodney & Hibiscus Coast: Jay Boreham, ' Police host Coffee with a Cop'. (Rodney, 2 June 2017):  https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/rodney-times/93263762/police-host-coffee-with-a-cop

Also see your local Police Station's Facebook page and Eventfinda