Coffee, conversation and Superior’s finest

A cup of coffee may pave the way for better communication between Superior police officers and the people they serve.

On Tuesday, the Superior Police Department launches its first “Coffee with a Cop” event, beginning at 8 a.m. at Hardee’s Restaurant, 1510 Belknap St. There will be no PowerPoint presentation, no agenda — just coffee and conversation.

“If all people have is five minutes, they can stop by for five minutes and just talk,” said Community Policing Officer Bonnie Johnson. Hardee’s will provide the space and the coffee. Officers will have information available on a variety of topics, but their key role is to answer questions and hear the concerns of residents.

“Come get to know us,” said Johnson.

The event could be called “Coffee with a Cop who doesn’t drink Coffee.” Despite growing up in the area, Johnson is not a coffee drinker.

“I’m a tea person,” she said. “I’ll be sipping some water.”

The goal of the program is for police officers to meet with business people and residents in a relaxed setting.

“We want to better identify the problems and issues that are affecting the quality of life in Superior,” Johnson said.

Less than a year into her new assignment as community policing officer, Johnson has held meetings in all of Superior’s neighborhoods. She’s made connections with business owners, individuals and organizations, teaming up to tackle issues facing the community.

“There have been great success stories,” Johnson said, but “I think there are a lot of folks we need to reach.”

The department modeled its “Coffee with a Cop” program off one launched by the Hawthorne Police Department in California. According to an article in the Community Policing Dispatch, the program has been a rousing success. The Superior Police Department hopes to emulate that success by offering a session of “Coffee with a Cop” every six weeks.

For more information, to host a session, or to request one in your area, contact Johnson at (715) 395-7401 or johnsonb@ci.superior.wi.us.

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