Fair Lawn PD: Have 'Coffee With A Cop' Thursday

FAIR LAWN, NJ - Residents are invited to pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and get to know their local police officers better.

Fair Lawn Police Department will host its next “Coffee With A Cop” event on Thursday, from noon to 2 p.m. at Starbucks, 16-31 Route 208, according to Sgt. Brian Metzler.

“Coffee with a Cop” seeks to provide an opportunity to break down those communication barriers. Besides giving the public a chance to get to know their local cops and see beyond the badge, it gives police an opportunity to learn what’s on the minds of residents.

The idea to bring residents and cops together over a friendly cup of coffee originated eight years ago in California as Hawthorne Police Department searched for ways to become more community-oriented.

Hawthorne’s first event – held at a local McDonald’s – was a success and was quickly picked up by thousands of other departments in 50 states and 15 countries.

Within Bergen County, several departments, including Hackensack, Hillsdale, Paramus, Washington Township, Tenafly, River Vale, Closter and Glen Rock, have hosted “Coffee With A Cop” gatherings.