Have coffee with a cop

A new initiative to increase community and police engagement will begin in Yarragon this week and the driver of the new program hopes it will eventually lead to more police resources in Trafalgar.

“Coffee with a cop” was an idea developed by Trafalgar resident and Yarragon business owner Michael Fozard after he attended a Victoria Police community safety forum late last year.

While the initiative is designed to allow community members to engage with local police, Mr Fozard said the Trafalgar Rotary Club also is using the platform to lobby for more police.

Mr Fozard said the drive for mor e police needed to come from the community.

He said strong police and community engagement was a priority for creating a safer community.

Mr Fozard said last year’s forum highlighted what results were being achieved, various activities to assist the community and the challenges that lay ahead.

“Yes, we do have a number of issues and challenges that are impacting on the safety and are causing concerns with people and the broader community.

“Drugs and in particular ice, as well as a number of road safety concerns, hoon driving and criminal activity are a few areas on the minds of individuals. Family violence also needs attention and consideration by the broader community.

“The police need our help and support in addressing these very challenging areas.

“A lot of people will say the police aren’t doing their jobs and are just chasing fines. But if we want things to happen we need a whole cultural change.

“The community needs to be part of the solution,” he said.

Further to the “coffee with a cop” initiative, Mr Fozard said Trafalgar Rotary Club was initiating a community petition to highlight the lack of police numbers at Trafalgar Police Station.

“It is apparent the broader community has concerns with the number of police and their ability to provide around the clock service and response to community needs.

“We need to put pressure on the powers to be to give us a better service. We need to convince Melbourne of the need for more resources,” he said.

The “Coffee with a Cop” session will be held at Fozigobble Carfe, Yarragon this Thursday between 9.30am and 11.30am.