Cuppa coffee with a Cop!
A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa
Police, Cops, Community, Coffee
"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!
Come and meet us for a chat over a cup of coffee.
Kevin Schwass, New Zealand Police
South Canterbury Museum
We can discuss matters of interest to you over an informal chat and give advice and direction.
Bryan and Bobby - SNAP
NZ On Screen
We'll come to meet you at various places - in your city and town.
BeckerFraserPhotos April 2012 photograph 128
UC QuakeStudies
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
"As well as those library books, would you like coffee with our local cop?"
PCs, Gonville Cafe Library
Aotearoa People's Network Kaharoa
Or meet at a café (Police & firefighters had a coffee giveaway at a Christchurch café, 2019)
Beautiful harmony
Christchurch City Libraries
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
We might bring our mobile police base.
Christchurch Press Image: John Kirk-Anderson 2010:12:09 15:03:04
UC QuakeStudies
By building relationships and trust with community members we serve, our police officers aim to enhance our support.
Police Escort
Kete Horowhenua
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
The advantage of having a cuppa - no worries afterwards with drink driving!
Police Senior Sergeant Geoff Saunders
South Canterbury Museum
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].](https://thumbnailer.digitalnz.org/?resize=770x&src=https%3A%2F%2Flive.staticflickr.com%2F5759%2F21234348478_a432ce0eee_z.jpg&resize=368%253E "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