Warwick Police hold seventh "Coffee with a Cop" at Henry's Deli

WARWICK — The winter snowstorm on Friday, March 2, might have been reason enough to reschedule the first "Coffee with a Cop" of this year and the seventh to date.
But the next day, Saturday, March 3, members of the Warwick Police Department held another "Coffee with a Cop" event from 10 a.m. to noon at Henry's Deli and Café, 583 Seward Highway, Route 94 North between the villages of Warwick and Florida.
"Considering the winter storm had just ended," said Warwick Police Lt. John Rader, "this Coffee with a Cop was still well attended. And we had lots of feedback. We're looking forward to the next one in June."
On a national level, the mission of "Coffee with a Cop" is to break down the barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve.
Taking time to meet at neutral locations provides the opportunity for real conversations about issues that matter.
Community residents can sit down with officers and ask questions or share what's on their mind. And in a short time, citizens and police officers get to know each other and discover mutual goals for the communities they live in and serve.
On March 3 local residents, like Patrick Colman, had an opportunity to get together in an informal setting to discuss community issues.
"I was concerned about the poor lighting on Grand Avenue," said Colman. "I live in that area and often travel that road at night. It's very difficult to see a pedestrian, especially if they are wearing dark clothing."
Colman also suggested improving the visibility of traffic control signs used by road crews.
"Coffee with a Cop" events include no agenda or speeches. They are simply designed as an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the officers in your neighborhood.
- Roger Gavan