Grab 'Coffee With a Mount Olive Cop' at the Budd Lake Diner

MOUNT OLIVE, N.J.– The Mount Olive Police Department is inviting residents to "Coffee with a Cop" at the Budd Lake Diner on Monday.

The event is slated to run from 8-10 a.m.

“Officer Lonnie Elbaum advocated for our police department to initiate the program," Chief Stephen Beecher said. "This is part of the MountOlive Police Department's continuing effort to reach out to the community to create opportunities for dialogue with the people we serve. There is no script, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, exchange information or get to know your police officers.”

"Coffee with a Cop" is a national program which brings police officers and the community
members they serve together–over coffee–to discuss issues and learn more about each other, according to its website.

"Additionally, some people feel that officers are not approachable on the street," he continued. "I believe that a direct connection in a non-crisis manner between the community and the Mount Olive Township Police Department can only strengthen the relationship between the two."

According to the chief, "Coffee with a Cop" will be held at other township locations over the coming months.

The Budd Lake Diner is located at 120 Rt. 46 in Budd Lake.

Photo courtesy Mt. Olive Police Department