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Cops forging stronger community bond over coffee in Lake Zurich

Three police departments converged on a Lake Zurich supermarket Friday morning, but it had nothing to do with criminal activity.

Police chiefs and officers from Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods and Kildeer were at Mariano's Fresh Market for two hours as part of a national Coffee With a Cop initiative meant to have law enforcement forge stronger bonds and build trust with communities.

Some visitors grabbed the free coffee and spent a few minutes discussing general crime issues with police. Others quickly took pictures of their children with the uniformed cops or simply said hello.

On the fun side, Hawthorn Woods Police Chief Jennifer Paulus said she talked to some children about their Halloween outfits. On the business end, Paulus said, she made a connection with an attorney who has concerns about the role of law enforcement regarding divorce cases.

Paulus said it's unlikely she would have met the lawyer if not for Coffee With a Cop.

"I just approached her kids because I saw them there eating a muffin," Paulus said. "She sat down, and it was a good opportunity for, hopefully, some good things to come."

U.S. Department of Justice officials designated Friday as a day for departments to host Coffee With a Cop. Federal authorities said it was a way for police to create better relations in a casual atmosphere with the communities they serve.

Wheeling, Algonquin, Elgin and Waukegan were among other suburban police departments with coffee gatherings Friday. At least 500 police departments nationwide were projected to participate, according to the justice department.

Lake Zurich resident Elina Klippel said it was good to see the police in a welcoming setting, such as the Mariano's at Quentin Road and Route 22.

"People could come and chat with them, not just see them in the news and see the negative stuff," Klippel said. "It's good to see your local law enforcement here and support them."

Hawthorn Woods residents Terry and Patrice Ronczkowski decided to visit the supermarket after learning the cops would be there. Patrice Ronczkowski said it was important to show support to local law enforcement.

"This is a great idea," she said.

Lake Zurich Police Chief Steven Husak said he thought the coffee social went well. He said he expects Lake Zurich, Kildeer and Hawthorn Woods police to work together again on similar events.

"The old days of having open houses or making events in which people respond to where police are has changed into the police reaching out into the community," Husak said. "We have great support throughout the three villages, but by being out where people naturally are, it does spark better conversation."

Police in Hawthorne, California, started Coffee With a Cop in 2011.

  Elina Klippel of Lake Zurich said it was good to talk to officers at Coffee With a Cop at Mariano's Fresh Market in the village Friday. Police from Lake Zurich, Kildeer and Hawthorn Woods participated. Bob Susnjara/bsusnjara@dailyherald.com
  Hawthorn Woods Police Chief Jennifer Paulus, left, talks to Terry and Patrice Ronczkowski at Coffee With a Cop on Friday morning at Mariano's Fresh Market in Lake Zurich. The Ronczkowskis are from Hawthorn Woods. Bob Susnjara/bsusnjara@dailyherald.com
  Lake Zurich Police Chief Steven Husak said he was pleased with the Coffee With a Cop program his department co-hosted with Hawthorn Woods and Kildeer. It occurred Friday morning at Mariano's Fresh Market in Lake Zurich. Bob Susnjara/bsusnjara@dailyherald.com
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