How do you catch robbers? ... Do you have a police motorbike?
These are a couple of the questions put to Police taking part in the annual 'Coffee with a Cop' in Napier last week.
The initiative is a partnership between Hawke’s Bay Police, Safer Napier and the Napier City Council aimed at giving the community easy access to Police outside of the formal police station setting.
Well over 200 people took up the opportunity to ask questions, discuss concerns and find out more about policing as a career at seven cafes across Napier.
And while it was children asking about catching robbers and police motorbikes, the public were asking a range of questions from how long an international driver licence is valid for, to what it’s like being a police officer and how you go about joining.
People also raised concerns about burglaries in some areas and discussed general topics around policing.
With it being school holidays, there were a fair few children brought along to get a photo with a police officer or ask them their burning questions.
Seven-year-old Bethany, pictured above, even made a police hat and dog out of modelling clay to give to officers.
Hawke’s Bay Sergeant Anaru Graham says Coffee with a Cop is all about creating an environment where people can sit down in a relaxed, safe environment, discuss any concerns and ask questions.
“The initiative was a great opportunity for those who wouldn’t normally deal with Police to come along and have a chat and a coffee with their local community cop,” says Anaru.
“A lot of people don’t like going in to police stations, so this is about removing the barriers and making it as easy as possible to connect with your local police officer.”
Anaru says post Cyclone Gabrielle, two things that have been highlighted are the importance of well-being and being connected and the importance of having a conversation.
“A lot of people find it really reassuring to be able to pick up the phone and know their local cop and say, ‘hey, just want to have a chat about this thing that’s happening in my neighbourhood’.
“A huge thank you to Safer Napier for supporting the event. We look forward to the next one!”