Drinks, doughnuts and dialogue: Rochester Police host ‘Coffee with a Cop’

ROCHESTER — For Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad, strengthening the department’s relationship with the community is one of his highest priorities. His newest community event, Coffee with a Cop, hosted its first meeting at the Rochester Police Department on Friday, Feb. 28.

Residents of Rochester gathered around a full spread of doughnuts, coffee and pastries and spoke openly with Assad and members of the force about the police’s contributions to the community.

“We’re trying to be as transparent as possible and connect with the community,” said Assad.

Assad covered several topics during the conversation, including the implementation of body cams and the station’s efforts to connect with students living in Rochester.

“Body cams have saved officers from fraudulent complaints,” said Assad.

In addition, Assad said the body cams also function to monitor police and citizen behavior when on the job.

“If the officer is doing the wrong thing, I want to know,” said Assad. “We have nothing to hide here at the police department.”

The officers also discussed their involvement with Rochester Memorial School.

Members of the police department are connecting with students at Rochester Memorial School through readings in classrooms and “High-Five Fridays” where officers line up outside arriving school buses and high-five the students as they enter the building.

During the conversation, Assad also explained the department’s “Safe Me” sticker program, which allows individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum the opportunity to submit a form to the department that details their specific needs.

This form helps officers provide specific assistance and better understand their needs if the individual is in an emergency situation. Individuals can write down their medical diagnosis on the form as well as check off any symptoms such as being non-verbal, avoiding eye contact and sound and light sensitivity.

Several residents thanked the officers for their work within Rochester, specifically commenting on the improvements they perceived in the past year and the department’s response to emergency situations.

One resident mentioned seeing a Rochester officer assisting with a flat tire on the side of the road. This experience made her feel supported within her community.

Attendees asked how they can assist the officers with improving Rochester and keeping their community safe.

“You’re showing up here today to show your support and that’s all that matters to us,” responded Assad.

Assad hopes that citizens and officers “take away from this experience today that we’re all in it to win it together.”

“It takes a village to make sure we’re doing the right thing, and to get feedback from the community is key to making sure that we’re providing the best possible professional police product,” said Assad.

The department looks forward to hosting more community events such as “Cones with Cops” and “Books with Badges” this summer.