The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Officers, resident chat over coffee
Casual and informative conversations took place Oct. 3 between Elyria police officers and residents at a downtown McDonald’s for the department’s monthly Coffee with a Cop session.
Police Chief Duane Whitely and Capt. William Pelko chatted with residents while enjoying complimentary Joe and pastries provided by McDonald’s, 595 Broad St.
Each Coffee with a Cop session is held at 9 a.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at different locations, but took place Oct. 3, in celebration of National Coffee with a Cop Day, Whitely said.
Residents asked questions regarding traffic safety in particular areas, while others complimented the officers for the work and dedication they put toward keeping the city safe.
Debbie Born, an Elyria resident and owner of Roxy’s Emporium on Middle Avenue, spoke with officers after breakfast with her friend Jackie Barry of Lorain.
Born said she’s never attended a Coffee with a Cop session, but enjoys officers making time to communicate with residents; adding it’s a great way to start the day.
She complimented the location of the session because there are many people who come to McDonald’s throughout the day.
Born also thanked Whitely for the effort of Elyria police being present throughout the city and at Elyria High School, which is across the street from her shop.
“I think having a presence of the police department shows their active concern for the city,” she said.
Barry said she also liked how police are providing an opportunity for residents and officers to come together in a more relaxed environment.
Coffee with a Cop is an event where people don’t have to be afraid to speak with police, she said.
Guests are not meeting officers under troubling circumstances, Barry said.
“(The officers are) just part of the community,” she said. “You can be more open, and you know that the third Tuesday of the month, you can come here and say, ‘Hey I have this problem, what should I do?’
“You can talk to them, from one citizen to another.”
Born and Barry agreed Coffee with a Cop can bring a sense of trust between officers and residents of all ages, including those who may be intimidated.
Born and Barry said they plan to attend future sessions.
Henry Nelson, 73, of Elyria, said this was his first time having an open discussion with police officers at Coffee with a Cop and it was nothing he’s ever seen in his 70-year residency.
Nelson said he appreciated an environment where he could receive clarity on a few concerns he’s had versus attending a more formal atmosphere.
“This is a comfortable environment where we can have a conversation rather than an agenda made of topics,” he said.
Whitely said Coffee with a Cop began in Elyria in July 2017. The Police Department wanted to create an opportunity to improve communication between the police and the public, which is only a benefit to everyone, he said.
Whitely said negative comments have not been much of an issue at the sessions.
It’s likely because of the relaxed and comfortable environment, the chief said.
“I’ve noticed people are not as on guard when you walk up to them and talk to them in this setting, and I’m not sure why that is, but they’re very nice,” Whitely said. “If they don’t have a problem, they just talk about general stuff.
“And if they do have an issue, they can say what that is, and I can either explain what’s being done, or take the information if we’re not aware of it, then go back and start addressing it. It’s a win-win.”
The next Coffee with a Cop will take place Nov. 20.
For questions on future times, dates or locations, contact Sgt. Rick Buckway at 440-326-1342, buckway@cityofelyria.org or find information on the Elyria Police Department’s Facebook.