Airdrie residents and Airdrie RCMP alike stuffed into the Tim Hortons on 8th Ave. to discuss topics, bring forward concerns, and suggest ideas.

 Local Airdrie resident Lorraine Card said when she originally heard about the event, she could not help but attend.

"I saw it on social media and I just thought it was really cool. I thought I really wanted to come out and meet with the mounties. I really respect all the really good work that they do and I thought this would be a great opportunity. I see it advertised in Calgary in a lot to have coffee with Calgary Police Services and this is the first time I've seen in Airdrie. I just want to be part of the initiative."

Card said that she was excited to see the questions the public had for the officers and to offer a few of her own.

"There are so many questions and even from the short time I've been here, (specifically) surrounding cannabis and the impacts on the public and how the officers are having to deal with it. I just think it's important from a mental health perspective, how is it affecting our community, the public in general. There are a lot of questions about the children, the dangers of opening it to children and do we really think there has been a reduction in the black market since the introduction of cannabis legislation."

The Tim Hortons was absolutely packed, and Card said she was excited to see the community involvement.

"I was thrilled to walk in. The place is packed. The officers are super friendly and answering all the questions and are trying to get around to every table to talk to everyone here. I was really pleased to see the turnout. I will watch for future events."

Sergeant Brent Keibel of the Airdrie RCMP described that Mochas with Mounties offers an opportunity for residents to catch an inside look in the life of officers.

"We're meeting and greeting the community, as many community members that want to come out and talk to us, (offer) any ideas they have for the RCMP, any situations or concerns. We're actually showcasing our two units, one of our new units which are called the Mental Health and Addictions Liason Team, we're going to have a couple of them down here speaking (...). We also have members from our Domestic Violence Unit as well as speaking to people."

Keibel said he believes the event offers residents a chance to see officers in a different light.

"This is awesome. We really appreciate the public coming out and talking to us. A lot of times people are intimidated to come to talk to the police and we want to get rid of that stigma. We want people to know that they can come to talk to us, whether it's constructive or good stuff. We are willing to talk to you about anything. Any concerns, any problems, any of the resident issues, we are here to talk."

"I think this highlights the fact that we are community policing. We are part of the community. We live here, we coach here, we have kids in the community, we are just a part of the community. People have to realize that we are just doing our jobs most of the time. We want people to understand that we are approachable and without the community's help a lot of situations wouldn't get solved. We basically need assistance from the community."

 

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