Coquitlam RCMP are foregoing their coffee and donuts for the Taiwanese confection bubble tea for a meet and greet targeting young people.
And while the drink made of tea, flavours, milk, sugar and toppings, such as chewy tapioca balls, might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the idea is for local cops to connect with the community in a positive way.
“This is meant to be a very casual way to approach a police offer, it is meant to be the opposite of 911 and a situation where there’s a file number and an emergency,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson.
Questions about traffic concerns, safety and other issues may be brought to this informal session while young people may want to learn more about how to become a police officer.
McLaughlin said the two or three officers who will attend will be prepared to answer a variety of questions at the two events: one to be held in Coquitlam on Tuesday, April 9 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Ninja Bubble Tea and Coffee, 2972 Glen Dr., Coquitlam, the other in Port Coquitlam on Wednesday, April 10 from 3-4 p.m. at Blend Bubble Tea, 3266 Coast Meridian Rd.
Showing up will be an opportunity to meet a Coquitlam RCMP officer in a casual setting, and try some bubble tea, but for police, these events are a good way to find out what’s going on in the community.
McLaughlin police sometimes get information from these informal meet and greet events that help them in their enforcement, such as local traffic issues, and the good will built up helps RCMP in their day-to-day work policing such a large, urban community.
“The main thing is to break down that barrier between the uniform and public,” McLaughlin said.
Bubble tea is a popular drink among young people, and police are prepared to address the questions of teens and high school or college-aged youth who make it out to the informal session, and older folks who shows up, too.
As for McLaughlin, he’s tried bubble tea a number of times and has yet to find a flavour he fully enjoys.
Still, the opportunity is out there for the community to enjoy a flavored beverage and learn more about the job of policing in Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam.
