WALTON - On Friday, April 18 at the Walton Police Department’s Mead Street headquarters, the scent of fresh coffee mingled with warm baked goods and the hum of conversation. It wasn’t a crime scene or an emergency that brought the crowd—just connection.
Roughly 45 Walton residents gathered for “Coffee and Cops,” a community meet-and-greet with Police Chief Tahir Haqq and officers Kathryn Mitchell, Devin Dunphy, and Dan St. Jacques. The goal was clear: rebuild trust, one cup at a time.
“We thought it was a good idea to open up the station to the public, offer some coffee, some goodies, and just talk about some things that may concern them,” said Haqq, who stepped into his role in July 2024. “Or just maybe talk about everyday life.”
For Haqq, who leads a team of three full-time and a few part-time officers, the event was more than symbolic. It was a cornerstone of his community policing vision: “Getting out there, meeting with the business owners, putting a name to a face,” he said.
The message resonated with residents like Kathleen Jones, who came bearing homemade muffins and chocolate chip cookies — a familiar routine. “Usually you’re locked so I leave them outside the door,” she said with a chuckle.
Jones, a parent, grandparent and local volunteer, said she appreciates when officers show up at community events, especially schools. “It kind of lessens the fear, or like, ‘get in check’ mode. We don’t want them to be afraid of us,” she said. “I just think it’s awesome.”
Another resident, Maxine Locherer, echoed the sentiment. “It was fantastic to see so many people here — and young people. That is the best,” she said. “I already met the chief, but I didn’t know who the other people were. I thought it’d be a good idea to come in, just see them.”
Visibility and approachability are key to the department’s evolving strategy. “It offers validation, feedback, ideas that we can use,” Haqq said, adding that the department is in a “rebuilding phase” with a focus on serving the public.
And judging by the turnout, the community is ready to meet them halfway.
