The concept of 'community policing' is a trend that is alive and well in the City of Trees.
The Boise Police Department set up a micro-district unit in the heart of downtown seven months ago and as a way to get a dialogue with the community started, Boise police launched the 'Coffee with a Cop' program.
On Wednesday, they set up shop inside Boise State University's student union building to get acquainted with the students.
Boise's micro-district is staffed around the clock so that members of the squad at large have a set of officers on foot, close to all the downtown action.
However, the close interaction works both ways. The officers are there in the case of an emergency and also have a goal to get feedback and ideas from the people they serve.
"The idea behind community policing is that every officer needs to have that interaction with the public and be approachable. That's very, very important in today's law enforcement," Corp. Ryan Buzzini with Boise Police Department explained.
BPD's mascot dog "Scout" can serve as a conversation starter.
But sometimes, the passersby just have enough time to say thanks for wearing the uniform and taking the oath.
Students didn't bring up any safety concerns on this day regarding where they live or life on campus.
"It's a lot safer than most states and cities, which is good," says Tyler Price, a BSU student.
Several did have questions on concealed weapons laws, while others were interested in learning more about the profession.
Price is almost a senior. With a degree in communications, he knows his skill-set could have many applications.
"I'm actually looking for one [an internship] because I'm close to my last semester," Price says. "It's always good to network with everybody because you never know what's going to happen or where you're going to be."
The majority of the concerns micro-district police hear while out in neighborhoods involve property-related crimes such as car burglaries and knocked over mailboxes.
For more information about the program, visit here.
