Cops go casual for weekly chats

City Central Police have initiated a new weekly drop-in session in an effort to ensure they are accessible to more citizens.

‘Cop Chat’ is a new initiative based at the Auckland Central City Library, which aims to provide a relaxed setting for the public to approach the police with questions.

It comes at a time when 16 suburban police stations in Auckland have closed to the public.

Senior Sergeant Kitchener, acting inspector and area prevention manager, said the programme is open to anyone and aims to make police more available.

“The purpose was to break down barriers and make the police more accessible. We’re there to simply chat and it can be about absolutely anything.”

The sessions take place every Thursday from 11am and 1pm.

However, team leader for Auckland Libraries’ community outreach, Ania Biazik, said she would like to see the sessions take place in even more locations, especially as it has been well received.

“I believe there are benefits to the cops being in public spaces like libraries but it should not be limited to only the library.”

The casual meetings have been taking place for around two months and have served a range of people, from students to the elderly.

“A curiosity is bringing people, [and we] have also invited teachers and international students to come and talk about safety in a new city. People have appreciated that it’s in a place away from school and the police station,” said Ms Biazik.

She believes it may not be the solution but it definitely has merits.

“One initiative does not solve every problem but I believe more police presence, even just chatting, is better for all of us.”

Docie Ng, a representative from the Kiwi Asian Club, which aims to celebrate the cultural diversity among students in New Zealand, thought the idea was “a good practical approach” to helping international students.

She believed students “would most likely find it comforting to know the service was there” providing they were aware that it was available.