Warwick Police join Greenwood Lake PD on March 5 for 'Coffee with a Cop'

GREENWOOD LAKE — Addressing the concerns of local residents at an informal sit-down in a local café has become a popular way for police and the citizens they serve to discuss community issues.

Last May, for example, a larger than expected number of local residents came to have "Coffee with a Cop" at the Tuscan Café in the Village of Warwick.

Then, in September, the second successful "Coffee with a Cop" event was held at the Edenville General Store.

Now The Town of Warwick Police Department will hold a joint "Coffee with a Cop" event with the Greenwood Lake Police Department this Saturday, March 5, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Village Buzz Cafe, 91 Windermere Ave. in Greenwood Lake.

"I am pleased to sponsor this event," said Village Buzz Cafe owner Jamie Heller. "I recently had a good experience with our local police but I know, while most Greenwood Lake residents feel like me, there are others who feel differently. And this will be a great opportunity to meet with our police and discuss their concerns."

Warwick Police Lt. John Rader explained that it's important for the Warwick and Greenwood Lake Police to work together. For example, he pointed out that whereas the security of the Greenwood Lake Middle School is the responsibility of the Town of Warwick Police, the elementary school, which is in the Village, is the responsibility of the Greenwood Lake Police.

"We share each other's concerns," he said, "and this joint "Coffee with a Cop" on Saturday is a good opportunity to meet with residents living both in and near the Village of Greenwood Lake."

This third time event had its beginnings in California and then spread across the nation. 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.

The March 5 event at the Village Buzz Cafe promises to include no agenda or speeches. It is simply designed as an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the officers in your neighborhood.

And everyone is invited.
- Roger Gavan