Police officers from OUPD and APD met and chatted with community members over delicious coffee and cookies.
In light of recent protests and unrest between police and those they serve, the Ohio University and Athens Police Departments gave concerned students and residents a chance to chat over coffee Thursday.
OU’s first “Coffee with a Cop,” was intended to provide the chance for anyone concerned with recent national policing debates to ask a cop whatever they please. The event was held in Front Room, the Baker University Center coffee shop.
“This was such a great idea,” senior Matt Russell said. “I am glad they had an event like this. I definitely feel closer to these police officers.”
Russell was one of many who stopped by the Front Room, for cookies, coffee and conversation supplied by local law enforcement.
Roughly 20 officers from APD and OUPD made an appearance, as well as OUPD’s bomb-sniffing dog, Brody.
“We wanted to hold this event (to) make sure that our community members know that the lines of communication are always open,” OUPD Lieutenant Eric Hoskinson said.
He stressed that those he is sworn to serve and protect come first, and residents should in no way feel uncomfortable with local officers.
“I hope they come out of this feeling comfortable (enough) to come up to any of us officers, and to know that their voice will never go unheard,” Hoskinson said. “This is their event and we want their voices to (be) heard.”
Victoria McFadden, the assistant director of alumni special projects for the Ohio University Alumni Association, said she empathizes with officers and is grateful for the jobs they perform.
“I just think they are great,” she said. “It’s a very hard job, they deserve some credit. I know I wouldn’t want to do this job.”
In addition to Thursday’s program local law enforcement also held the Joint Police Advisory Council barbeque in September as a community outreach effort.
Patrons of both events have suggested additional programs.
“The coffee and cookies were amazing,” Russell said. “Maybe they can follow this up with a catered lunch on the weekend, because I know that 9 a.m. on a Thursday is a difficult time for people to attend.”
Hoskinson said OUPD would be interested in hosting another event within the next six weeks.
“It’s our job to be ambassadors and to make the people feel safe,” APD Lieutenant Adam Claar said.
Claar also mentioned some of the recent controversy regarding police officers.
“There has been a lot of negativity in the media, and I hope that people don’t believe all the misconceptions that they hear about,” Claar said. “We are not perfect, and when it comes down to it, police are people too and are a part of this community.”
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