Glen Rock: Have 'Coffee With A Cop' On Saturday

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

Glen Rock Police Department will host its next "Coffee With A Cop" event on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Main Line Station parking lot. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday.

In addition to coffee from Merve's Kitchen, there will also be face painting and balloon twisting by Love, Peace & Paint, Glen Rock police historical displays in the train station by the Glen Rock Historical Society, demonstrations from the department's motorcycle unit and the Bergen County Sheriff's K-9 unit and giveaways for kids and adults.

"Coffee with a Cop" seeks to provide an opportunity to break down 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 Fair Lawn have hosted "Coffee With A Cop" gatherings.