Officers from around the state hosted a “Coffee with a Cop” initiative on the same day, February 23, as a way to strengthen relationships and build on community partnerships.

87 of these events were held across 73 Local Area Commands, including the Lachlan Local Area Command.

The local coffee catch-up took place at 10am at Cafe’n’Ate, where the flow of residents stopping by to say hello was very constant.

“It’s an opportunity for people to come and say g’day, and talk about community issues,” Chief Inspector Dave Cooper said.

“That’s what it’s all about.

“It’s not scripted, there are no agendas, speeches or lectures. It’s a relaxed atmosphere.”

Chief Inspector Cooper said it’s the first time the command and many other commands have hosted the event.

He said he and his officers were happy to hang around for as long as they could if there were still many residents around wanting to meet and talk with them.

“It’s classic community engagement,” Chief Inspector Cooper said.

“We picked this place because it’s high visibility, people can see us and it’s in the shade.”

And the event wasn’t just for adults, many children came along too.

One youngster – four-year-old Samuel Hunt – was particularly excited to meet the officers.

“He wants to be a police officer, this was his surprise today,” mum Lisa Hunt said.

“He has his own police hat at home and he was asking the officer what he has to do to become a police officer.”

Samuel said talking to the police was “very good”.

“He told me I have to wait until I’m big and strong, and when I finish school,” he said.

Parkes woman Margot Jolly said the whole initiative was a great idea.

“It builds community confidence and a positive perception of policing,” she said.

“Many people only see police when they’re out at an incident but a lot of their work is about helping the community.”

The initiative originated in the United States and was first adopted by Fairfield Local Area Command to foster stronger community engagement and understanding, under a simple concept.

The campaign began in Fairfield Local Area Command in 2012 and events are held once a month in different locations.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members, one cup of coffee at a time.