Police to meet residents each month over drinks in new Coffee with a Cop initiative

SINGAPORE – A new programme will let residents meet their neighbourhood’s police officers more regularly, rather than mainly in passing on the street and during crises.

From June, all 35 neighbourhood police centres (NPCs) across the island will step up their public engagement by hosting monthly Coffee with a Cop sessions at food and beverage outlets in their respective neighbourhoods.

In each two-hour session, residents will be able to chat with up to four officers from their local Community Policing Unit (CPU) about any topic over coffee or tea, with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) picking up the tab.

Launching the initiative at the Police Community Roadshow at One Punggol on Saturday, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean said Singapore’s reputation as one of the safest countries in the world is built on the trust between the police and the community.

A 2021 survey conducted by the SPF found that 96 per cent of respondents said they trusted the police, and 98 per cent said they were willing to help and provide information to police officers, said Mr Teo.

“Maintaining the strong relationship between the police and the community requires continuous effort,” he added.

The police usually engage specific groups such as young people, residents and workplaces with targeted intention and messaging, said Assistant Commissioner of Police Shng Yunn Chinn, director of SPF’s Community Partnership Department.

In contrast, Coffee with a Cop is open to all members of the public, and has no specific agenda.

“We wanted a platform to let members of the public approach us easily in a very convenient and accessible manner, just to build trust and for them to have deeper conversations with us,” he said.

For instance, officers can educate residents on local crime trends, while residents can also raise any concerns about their neighbourhood and receive guidance on lodging a report if necessary, he added.

The nationwide programme comes after the police conducted a three-month pilot in 2022.

The SPF was inspired by similar initiatives in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, but was not sure whether this could work in Singapore given the different cultural contexts, said AC Shng.

More at https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/police-to-meet-residents-each-month-over-drinks-in-new-coffee-with-a-cop-initiative

How much per night?

Can we use CDC vouchers to book a staycation at Police Cantonment Complex?

Wah, looks like Changi Hilton has got itself a serious competitor liao

Tiagong its coffee is legendary and second to none.....

This really made my day 😂