CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Champaign Police Department hosted a Coffee with a Cop event on Thursday, Dec. 18, giving residents an opportunity to meet officers, ask questions and share concerns in a relaxed setting.
The event took place from 8 to 10 a.m. at McDonald’s, located at 501 N. Mattis Avenue in Champaign. Community members stopped by throughout the morning for coffee and casual conversation with officers from the Champaign Police Department.
Coffee with a Cop was part of a nationwide initiative designed to break down barriers between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Rather than focusing on speeches or formal presentations, the program emphasized open dialogue and relationship building in a comfortable, informal environment.
Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler was present, as well as Deputy Chief Devin Olmstead, and a dozen members of the Champaign Police Department listened to community input.
Officer Christopher Aikman reinforced these events are important to show the public the police department should be seen as a community partner. “The perception of the police is generally, oh, they’re here to arrest somebody or take some sort of enforcement action. This gives us an opportunity to show that that’s not always the case and we’re here to help a lot of people at the same time and you shouldn’t shy away from the police.”
Aikman wants people to feel safe, and to know the police are working around the clock for public safety. “I promise you that the men and women of the Champaign Police are out there every day trying their best to keep the community safe. The community should feel confident that we’re out there protecting them to the best of our abilities.”
Police officials said the event allowed residents to learn more about local policing efforts while giving officers a chance to hear directly from the community about neighborhood concerns, priorities and ideas. No agenda was set, and conversations ranged from public safety topics to general questions about police work.
The Champaign Police Department regularly hosted community engagement events throughout the year to encourage transparency, trust and collaboration. Coffee With a Cop events were open to all ages, and no registration was required.