Chief of Police Tim Gately aims to foster strong connections between the Des Moines Police Department and the community, including students at Highline College. Coffee with a Cop, a series hosted by Highline College, aims to create a casual setting to engage with law enforcement and cultivate familiarity over coffee.
Stephen Glover
Board member of Police Advisory Committee with Chief of Police Tim Gately.
According to Chief Gately, the main objective is to humanize officers, though he welcomes students to also voice concerns and ask questions. His mission aligns with the department’s goal of building trust so residents feel comfortable reporting crimes.
By providing a comfortable space for positive interactions, police and citizens can see each other as people first, beyond just their roles.
Who doesn’t enjoy free coffee and snacks? Per Gately, grabbing a snack without chatting is fine, but students can also take it as an opportunity to further engage.
“Come grab a cup of coffee and a snack, you don’t have to stay and chat,” says Chief Gately.
Gately, who used to referee local basketball games, has community ties and his outreach efforts demonstrate the department’s commitment to connecting personally with citizens.
Programs like the advisory committee provide avenues for involvement and Gately states the department welcomes and respects honest voices seeking positive change.
Gately notes the department seeks to hire new officers and administrative staff.
Ultimately, community policing is about building relationships. Coffee with a Cop strengthens connections between law enforcement and the public through casual social interaction that establishes mutual understanding and trust.