Westwood: Have 'Coffee With A Cop' On Saturday

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

Westwood Police Department will host a "Coffee With A Cop" event on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon at Lebanon Baptist Church, 20 High Street, Westwood.

"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, Glen Rock, Tenafly, River Vale, Closter and Fair Lawn have hosted "Coffee With A Cop" gatherings.