Cop Chat programme encourages candid discussions with police
You don’t have to go to a police station to talk to a police officer.
Come and have a chat with them at the Auckland Central City Library.
Cop Chat is held on every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 44–46 Lorne Street.
Auckland Police recently started a new project called Cop Chat in partnership with the Auckland Central City Library. Often people simply need to ask questions or get advice but feel that it is not sufficient enough for them to visit a police station. Cop Chat is designed purposely to allow people, especially international students, to have the opportunity to talk to the police if they don’t wish to go to a police station. It can be a concern, an issue, suggestion or simply to come and have a chat with the police. The Auckland Central City Library has offered a desk on the ground floor for the police to interact with the people. A police officer along with Jessica Phuang the South Asian Liaison Officer, who is passionate about safety, especially among the international students, will be there to greet you.
There is no cost to use this service. So it is important for everyone to help promote this to ensure that this project continues.
Auckland witnessed a spate of attacks on Asian students last month that made this programme the need of the hour.
It's heartening to see that already around five to ten people contact the desk every Thursday and share their experiences with the police. The interaction allows them to give and take advice and also spread the message through word of mouth so that people can benefit from the programme.
“If we have this space for a couple of hours in a week and if we publicise it enough through the student network, the students can come up, have a chat and ask questions in a very comfortable and friendly environment,” said Officer Matthew.
Officer Matthew also mentioned that some international students feel reluctant to come forward and question on safety issues in the city. This hesitation can be rooted in their experiences with the police in their home country, or it can be more of a cultural barrier that makes them unwilling to report or discuss issues.
“Do not bury your face in the mobile, look around and be alert. If you feel someone is following you, then cross the road, walk to a place where there are people and call the police. It’s your right to defend yourself and your property,” said Officer Matthew.
Cop Chat programme was conceived a couple of months back and started in the first week of April. The programme is currently in its trial stage and is being conducted only in the CBD region. If the programme becomes a success, then it will expand to other locations across Auckland.
You don’t have to go to a police station to talk to a police officer. Come and have a chat with them at the Auckland Central City Library. Cop Chat is held on every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 44–46 Lorne Street.
Auckland Police recently started a new project called Cop Chat in...
You don’t have to go to a police station to talk to a police officer.
Come and have a chat with them at the Auckland Central City Library.
Cop Chat is held on every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 44–46 Lorne Street.
Auckland Police recently started a new project called Cop Chat in partnership with the Auckland Central City Library. Often people simply need to ask questions or get advice but feel that it is not sufficient enough for them to visit a police station. Cop Chat is designed purposely to allow people, especially international students, to have the opportunity to talk to the police if they don’t wish to go to a police station. It can be a concern, an issue, suggestion or simply to come and have a chat with the police. The Auckland Central City Library has offered a desk on the ground floor for the police to interact with the people. A police officer along with Jessica Phuang the South Asian Liaison Officer, who is passionate about safety, especially among the international students, will be there to greet you.
There is no cost to use this service. So it is important for everyone to help promote this to ensure that this project continues.
Auckland witnessed a spate of attacks on Asian students last month that made this programme the need of the hour.
It's heartening to see that already around five to ten people contact the desk every Thursday and share their experiences with the police. The interaction allows them to give and take advice and also spread the message through word of mouth so that people can benefit from the programme.
“If we have this space for a couple of hours in a week and if we publicise it enough through the student network, the students can come up, have a chat and ask questions in a very comfortable and friendly environment,” said Officer Matthew.
Officer Matthew also mentioned that some international students feel reluctant to come forward and question on safety issues in the city. This hesitation can be rooted in their experiences with the police in their home country, or it can be more of a cultural barrier that makes them unwilling to report or discuss issues.
“Do not bury your face in the mobile, look around and be alert. If you feel someone is following you, then cross the road, walk to a place where there are people and call the police. It’s your right to defend yourself and your property,” said Officer Matthew.
Cop Chat programme was conceived a couple of months back and started in the first week of April. The programme is currently in its trial stage and is being conducted only in the CBD region. If the programme becomes a success, then it will expand to other locations across Auckland.
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