Upper Darby residents are invited to have coffee with a cop

DELAWARE COUNTY

Residents invited for 'Coffee With a Cop' at Upper Darby McDonald's

UPPER DARBY Upper Darby police are inviting residents to sit down for a free cup of coffee Wednesday and chat.

About eight officers will participate in the department's first "Coffee With a Cop" program at the McDonald's restaurant at State Road and Lansdowne Avenue from 10 a.m. to about 11:30 a.m., said Michael J. Chitwood, superintendent of police.

The idea stems from the national "Coffee With a Cop" initiative that has been tried in 175 towns and cities in 36 states, said Chitwood.

McDonald's will foot the bill for the coffee, Chitwood said. There is no planned agenda other than trying to build relationships with residents in a relaxed environment, he said.

If there is enough interest, Chitwood hopes to hold similar coffee klatches.

"It's a nice way to reach out to the community," Chitwood said. - Mari A. Schaefer