Dear Neighbors:

A few Saturdays ago, the Croton Police Department celebrated its 2nd “Coffee with a Cop” Day at the Dessertist in the Village’s Van Wyck Shopping Center.
The Coffee with a Cop events provide opportunities for local residents to meet, interact with, and enjoy friendly, respectful and meaningful conversations with members of the Croton Police Force. The May 11th event, which lasted 2 hours on a sunny, Spring morning, was attended by many police officers who donated their time to share a cup of coffee and chat with the approximately 60-70 Village residents who showed up. Information on some of the Police Department’s community programs like DARE, Youth Cadet Programs, Bicycle Patrols, Child Seat Installation Safety Checks, etc was also readily available.
Police Chief Russel Harper, the Croton Police Force, Mayor Brian Pugh and the Croton Village Board are all in favor of adding such community policing strategies in order to proactively partner with local citizens to identify and solve problems. We believe that in our small, welcoming and well-connected Village, such a community policing philosophy is not only possible but entirely appropriate. It is yet another way to reduce crime and raise the sense of security, trust and caring in our community.
Thanks to all of you who participated in this event. If you missed it, there will be another one planned for the Fall!

Sincerely, Sherry Horowitz, Village of Croton-on-Hudson Trustee