Saturday, September 28, 2024
LAKE WORTH — On Thursday Sept. 19, Lake Worth PD hosted a community event titled “Coffee with a Cop” at Starbucks located inside Target from 10 until about 11:15 a.m. The event is part of the PD’s ongoing efforts to engage with locals and promote community engagement.
Seven or eight officers, including Lake Worth officers, animal services officers and an officer assigned to the Tarrant County Auto Crimes Task Force were there to visit with area residents. Lake Worth Mayor Walter Bowen and City Manager Stacey Almond were among the city officials who attended.
Target and Lake Worth PD set up a table near the entrance that was filled with cookies and treats as well as free coffee for everyone who stopped by.
Erin Moya attended the event to engage with local police as he confessed he used to have an aversion being around law enforcement but has changed his mindset now.
“I’ve always considered them policy enforcement but now I consider them peace officers; they keep the peace,” Moya said.
When asked about his impression of the Lake Worth Police, Moya said that they were very professional and approachable.
“One of the officers, I just had a 10-minute conversation with him regarding various technologies that are being employed right now like the Flock camera system, which I really appreciate that,” Moya said.
Moya explained that he believes there is still a stigma about police created through T.V. and appreciates events like these.
“I think there is still a fear, I mean Police, there is like a stigma to them,” Moya said. “I just changed my narrative, they’re peace officers, they're not policing anymore, from my perspective. I think there needs to be more involvement in the community, which I appreciate that.”
According to a statement from Lake Worth PD, relationships with the community are important and events like this provide an opportunity to build a foundation with locals.
“As a police department, there is nothing more important to us than the relationship we have with our community,” the statement said. “Like any relationship, it takes time and effort to build a proper foundation and events like Coffee with a Cop provide us with an opportunity to do just that. We are thankful for the support we receive and never want to take it for granted.”
