There is no doubt that there is a gulf in the relationship between some citizens and law enforcement.
An RCMP survey in 2022 showed only 45% of respondents thought RCMP personnel have a visible presence in their community, province or territory.
But the Squamish detachment is working to change that with its Coffee With A Cop events.
The Sea to Sky RCMP Squamish invites the public to share a coffee on Oct. 25, at Caffè Garibaldi in the Squamish Adventure Centre, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“Sea to Sky RCMP (Squamish) recognizes the importance of getting to know and connecting with people in their community. The informal setting of Coffee with a Cop gives citizens a chance to share any concerns, ask questions, engage with, and get to know the police in their community,” reads a news release from the local RCMP.
These events are a national RCMP initiative to enhance relationships between the police and the communities they serve.
“It is a great way to have the public and our members meet. We work hard to keep the community of Squamish safe, but we recognize that policing is more than responding to calls; it is also about connecting with the community. Coffee with a cop provides that opportunity.” said Staff Sgt. Gareth Bradley of the Sea to Sky RCMP in the release.
