PRINCETON, W.Va. — The Princeton Police Department announced this week that its officers will take part in the city’s first-ever “Coffee with a Cop” community forum.
Police Chief Tim Gray spoke with MetroNews affiliate WJLS about the event, which will take place Thursday, Nov. 15th, at the Princeton Public Library from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm. Gray said anyone who lives or works in the city is welcome to take part in the forum, which will be informal and open for discussions about issues residents believe are important.
“When the officers are out and they’re dealing with the public, most of the time, something bad has happened, and it’s an uncomfortable situation for some of the people. This will be an opportunity for the residents and the business owners just to sit down and talk with an officer about some of the concerns that they may have…this is an experimental thing, and if it goes over well, we will continue (to have community forums), whether it would be on a monthly or a quarterly basis,” said Gray.
According to Gray, who is a life-long resident of the area, one-on-one conversations between citizens and their police officers are often the best way to build trust and establish mutual goals within a community. He told WJLS he had always felt personally connected with Princeton, and is pleased to be able to serve the city in the way that he had envisioned.
“I always wanted to get in law enforcement, like everyone that does, and I’m just blessed to be in the position that I’m in. I’ve got to give thanks to the people that put me here, and that goes to the people in the city and my parents,” he said.
Grey also said he is grateful for the assistance of two local businesses, Black Steel Arms and Cafely Specialty Coffee & Tea, which are donating coffee and cookies for the event.