Many have heard about Police Chief Paul Williams’s monthly “Coffee with the Chief” gatherings held at a local coffee shop. They started as a way for him to get to know the community, but the informal meetings have proven to be such a successful way to connect with citizens and encourage open discussion between the public and himself, that he has now been hosting them for nearly seven years with no intent to stop.
This month, Williams is going to try something a bit different in order to reach those who may not be able to physically join him for “Coffee with the Chief” on an early weekday morning. He will be interacting with citizens virtually on Facebook Live from 7:30-8 a.m. on June 29. Users will have the ability to ask questions and make comments in real time with Williams when he is live from the department’s Facebook page, “Springfield, MO Police Department.”
“It’s basically what we do at ‘Coffee with the Chief,” said Williams. “In an informal setting, I chat with guests about whatever it is they’d like to chat about. Some come with compliments for officers, some have concerns and others just want to enjoy some interesting conversations about whatever may pop up.”
The first virtual “Coffee with the Chief” will not completely replace the face-to-face gatherings, but the new option will allow greater accessibility for those interested in what the police department does.
The next in-person “Coffee with the Chief” will be from 7-8:30 a.m. on July 7 at McDonald’s, 3320 E. Battlefield Rd. Dates for the monthly event can be found at the SPD’s website.
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