Robert Harris was the setting for a friendly mingling between police and the public on Tuesday, during Neighbourhood Support’s annual Coffee with a Cop event.

There was good turnout again this year from both police and the public.

Whakatāne Community Constable Rob Jones said Coffee with a Cop was an important event.

“I think any interaction with police is good. It's just getting to know your local cops, because we’re such busy people at times that we’re rushing here, there and everywhere.

“It's good to be able to just slow down, have a coffee and have a bit of a chat.”

Police of varying experience levels attended, ranging from those fresh out of Police College through to Eastern Bay Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney.

Ms Cooney said it was important for police to take time away from their normal core functions to engage with the community, regardless of how busy they were.

“It's our community. You make time.

“Everyone's busy, but unless we stop and hear the voice of our people sometimes, we carry on doing what we think is the right thing. But we might be missing the mark for others in our community.”

She said many of the people who turned up were happy with the police in general but still had questions and events like this provided a good forum to ask those questions.

“Particularly for some of our more mature community members, they have some anxieties about picking up the phone and asking for help sometimes. This kind of event enables people to see that we’re actually just pretty down-to-earth human beings.

“And that might just give them the confidence to ask for help when they need it, which is incredibly valuable.”

Ms Cooney acknowledged Neighbourhood Support for organising Coffee with a Cop and all the other work they do to keep their community safe.

“Let’s acknowledge the volunteers who drive this aspect of our business for us. Bringing the communities together so our communities are safer – that's a huge piece of work.”

Robert Harris Whakatāne owner Richard Sharp was happy to provide a venue for so many people to come together.

He supplied the free coffee that kept everyone toasty while they engaged in conversation.

Whakatāne Neighbourhood Support co-ordinator Jane Fox said they intended to host Coffee with a Cop every year.

“If we can help make our communities safer, that’s what it’s really about.”