Tewksbury Police Holding Coffee With A Cop, Milk With A Cop Events

TEWKSBURY, MA — The Tewksbury Police Department has announced a few upcoming programs aimed at building relationships with members of the community, both old and young.

From 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Oct. 5, the TPD will host Coffee with a Cop at two locations in town: Perfecto's Caffe, at 1900 Main St., and Cumberland Farms, 270 Main St.

The program, which has been popular in other municipalities, is designed to open the door for interactions outside of crisis situations, according to the TPD.

Community members are encouraged to voice concerns, ask questions or just chat with some members of the department.

"I hope community members will stop by and get to know some of our officers and command staff over coffee and warm conversation," said Ryan Columbus, chief of the TPD. "The Tewksbury Police Department is a community-focused organization, and we place tremendous value on maintaining open and friendly communication with all members of our community."

The TPD said it also will be conducting a similar program aimed at younger members of the community.

The Milk with a Cop program will bring officers into the lunchrooms at local elementary schools in order to meet students.

"Officers will get to know elementary school students, working to form relationships with youth and to create positive interactions and conversations between youth and law enforcement," the TPD said in a statement.

More information about either program is available by contacting the TPD's Community Service Officer Jennie Welch at 978-851-7373, ext .230, or by email at jwelch@tewksbury-ma.gov.