Sauk Rapids Police on hand for Coffee and Discussion [VIDEO]

SAUK RAPIDS - For the second time citizens got to sit down for a cup of coffee with the Sauk Rapids Police Department. There have been multiple Coffee with a Cop events around the area, something that Metro Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association President, Fred Hinkle, says there was a need for.

"It's an open forum. There's no set agenda. They're free to ask any questions that they want of whatever is going on in their community," says Hinkle.

Hinkle says topics have ranged from road construction, speeding cars, to domestic abuse. Sauk Rapids Police Chief, Perry Beise, was on hand to answer questions regarding the community of Sauk Rapids.

Beise says, "We discussed the need for more police officers, and how we figure that out. St. Cloud just recently did a study, and found that they need more police officers. We discussed why you don't just rush in, and hire more police officers just because you think you need them."

Questions of crime prevention and terrorism were also raised.

"The main thing that we do is we're always watching for crime, and we encourage people in the community, if they see something, to call us, and we'll investigate it, we'll look into it. Just like we do with all the other crimes, and things that occur in town."

Coffee with a Cop is a great place to get to know your police department.

"It gives an opportunity for citizens, and people in the community to put a face to the police department, to sit down, and visit with us and share what they think is important for us to be looking out for in their community," says Beise.

With the success of these events Hinkle thinks they will continue to grow.

"As people know it's being held, and know that it's a non-threatening environment, and they can ask whatever they want to ask," says Hinkle.