Brewing community connections over Coffee with a CPO

When was the last time you sat down and had a conversation with a Community Peace Officer? Never? Strathcona County’s new initiative wants to change that.

Coffee with a CPO aims to create connections between officers and residents by providing opportunities for residents to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the officers who serve Strathcona County.

“Relationships are the foundation of community policing,” says Inspector Vito Disciglio, Manager Strathcona County Enforcement Services. “When our Peace Officers are seen as approachable, it bridges gaps and fosters understanding, security and cooperation. Coffee with a CPO humanizes the person behind the uniform, showing that law enforcement officers are people committed to the safety and well-being of our community.”

Between May and July, residents are invited to join CPOs at local spots across the County for coffee and an open conversation. By talking face-to-face, officers can answer questions, address misconceptions and clear up misinformation which builds relationships, trust and confidence.

“The Coffee with a CPO initiative reminds us that, at the end of the day, Peace Officers and residents are people who want the same thing: a safe, peaceful and thriving community,” says Tom Sutton, Director, RCMP and Enforcement Services.

As law enforcement agencies in North America embrace this program, they reinforce their commitment to community safety and well-being. The next time you see an officer sipping coffee at your local café, take a seat, strike up a conversation and contribute to a safer, more connected community, one cup at a time.

Join CPOs at the following locations

• Ardrossan Recreation Complex
  • 80 First Ave, Ardrossan
  • Friday, May 24, 2024; 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• McDonald’s, Wye Road
  • 950 Ordze Road, Sherwood Park
  • Wednesday, June 12, 2024; 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Moyer Recreation Centre bookmobile location
  • #4-54569, Range Road 215, Josephburg
  • Wednesday, July 10, 2024; 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• South Cooking Lake Farmers’ Market
  • #100, 22106 South Cooking Lake Road, Sherwood Park
  • Thursday, July 11, 2024; 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, visit strathcona.ca/enforcement.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595