The innovative program, which will be introduced to Orange next month, will allow people to sit down with their local constabulary and enjoy a free cup of coffee while airing any concerns they have about crime rates in Orange.

While the coffee with a cop idea originated in the US, it was introduced to Sydney’s Fairfield around two years ago and has proved a huge success.

Not only does it allow police to receive valuable information about crime, it’s also an excellent public relations exercise.

In Fairfield police found themselves giving advice on a range of varied topics.

In many ways Coffee with a Cop enables people to discuss the issues that really impact their lives; from break and enters to alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour.

It also offers a unique opportunity for residents to ask questions and learn more about police work in their neighbourhood.

It goes without saying, if police have a good rapport with members of their community, people will be more likely to report crime.

They may even engage in less criminal activity.

There are some members of our community who have had very little interaction with police officers, so this is a great way for them to meet up in a non-threatening environment.

Crime can be fought in many different ways and this is just one example of how the softly, softly, method can pay dividends for the entire community.

However, the bottom line is if you’re unhappy about the way police are responding to crime in your city don’t just sit there and complain, take this opportunity to express your concerns in a constructive way.