PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany ShopRite located at 808 Route 46 had a half dozen cops there on Wednesday, March 1. But it was no emergency, no arrests, just coffee and plenty of donuts. It was another successful Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department 3rd Coffee with a Cop event.
Building and maintaining community trust is one of the most important challenges facing law enforcement today. This was the opportunity to engage in an open discussion with members of the Parsippany Police Department.
“It was wonderful to see and speak with so many people from throughout Parsippany at our Coffee with a Cop program, but for me, the highlight of the event was when we received the handwritten THANK YOU pictures from students of the Troy Hills Elementary school. That was unexpected and heartwarming,” stated Police Chief Paul Philipps.
Participating officers included Patrolman Remo D’Alessandro and Patrolman Brian Conover. Also present was Mayor James Barberio, Council President Louis Valori, Council Vice President Robert Peluso, Chief Paul Philipps, Captain John Wieners and Sergeant Allen Griffin.
“The strength of its success comes from it breaking down barriers,” Council Vice President Robert Peluso said. “They talk about everything, they’re not talking to people, they’re talking with people.”
Coffee With A Cop is a national program which has been widely successful. The program is a very informal one, the hope is to bridge the gap between police and community in an open forum to talk about anything.
“‘Coffee with a Cop’ brings our police officers and the residents they protect and serve together, over coffee, to discuss important issues and learn more about each other. It is all about building valuable relationships one cup at a time,” stated Council President Louis Valori.
