Macon regional law officers sip coffee with the public

When the Bellevue neighborhood’s unofficial mayor heard that he could share a cup of coffee with law enforcement officers Monday morning, he headed for the Starbuck’s on Forsyth Road.

Merritt Johnson Jr. had plenty on his mind, including safety concerns along a narrow bridge on Log Cabin Drive and the lack of recreational opportunities for youths in his community.

“This has been a very positive engagement that we had,” Johnson said, holding his carryout tray.

About a dozen deputies from Bibb, Monroe and Jones counties joined Bibb Sheriff David Davis and Forsyth Police Chief Keith Corley in an inaugural event modeled on a successful campaign mixing caffeine and conversation with Warner Robins police officers.

“Any time that we can interact with the public in a positive way is a good thing. We’re enjoying it,” Corley said. “We had one lady talking about some crime in northern Monroe County, but basically we’re just chitchatting about the weather and what’s going on.”

Bibb Juvenile Court Judge Tom Matthews happened upon the gathering.

“I’m a glad to see Starbuck’s is well-guarded this morning,” he joked as he approached a cluster of officers.

Although a poster promoting Central Georgia Coffee with a Cop hung in the window, most of the patrons seemed to be like Matthews -- coming for a morning boost, not specifically to see the officers.

Davis sees the nationwide trend toward such gatherings as an opportunity to interact in the absence of crime, conflict or catastrophe.

“It’s always good for our people to meet with the public and see what concerns they might have and to show in an informal setting that basically we’re human, too. We’re approachable,” Davis said.

“They may be in a suit and tie or in uniform, but we’re just like everybody else. We like a cup of coffee. We like to discuss the day’s events and talk about what’s going on in the community.”

One couple sharing an iced coffee began by inquiring about an acquaintance at the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and delved into a full conversation about body building.

Both Corley and Bibb public affairs Lt. Sean DeFoe expressed interest in hosting future events.

Johnson said he wished some Macon-Bibb commissioners had attended so he could have questioned them about the latest plans for the Filmore Thomas Recreation Center. But he enjoyed chatting with Lt. Ellis Sinclair, who was drinking an iced green tea.

“We need to get our young children directed better than what we have now,” Johnson said. “And some of this is my fault as a parent, but it’s also the community and the city’s fault for not offering substantial training and programs for our children.”

Solving the world’s problems over coffee is not merely a tall order, but perhaps a “venti” undertaking for the morning Starbuck’s crowd.

Johnson opted for what appeared to be a towering “trenta” Caramel Frappuccino he carried to his car.

“That’s sure enough coffee, isn’t it?” Sinclair asked him.

“Yeah, I thought I’d better get a little bit,” he said. “I’m going to charge it all off to David Davis.”

To contact writer Liz Fabian, call 744-4303.

This story was originally published May 11, 2015 at 12:42 PM with the headline "Macon regional law officers sip coffee with the public ."