Will Cook County News

By Claude Martinez. Updated 8/19/24 12:00 P.M.

In Tinley Park, ‘Coffee with a Cop’ is a community event where you can have a cup of your favorite coffee, tea, or sweet treats with your local law enforcement member. It’s a casual setting where you can meet and chat with officers, ask questions, and address any concerns you may have. The fourth event of the year, held on Thursday August 14th, was hosted by Dunkin’ Donuts at 9500 W. 179th Street. The chief of Police, Thomas Tilton, stopped by to speak with citizens.

Tilton was appointed to the Chief in May of 2023 and hasn’t looked back since. With over 40 years of law enforcement experience, he has seen what community bonding can do for civilians. “These are really important events because we want the residents of Tinley Park to get to know our officers.” He added, “We want them to be comfortable meeting us in a situation like this so they can ask questions and address their concerns in a relaxed atmosphere. It demystifies the whole police and public interaction.”

Community members who assist law enforcement were also at the event. Tinley Park Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association President Thomas Kozak and Alumni Member Rich Adler came to show their support.

Adler knows events like ‘Coffee with a Cop’ play a crucial role in shaping the youth’s perceptions of police officers. “Since the media has blown everything so out of proportion, most citizens and residents are actually scared.” He added, “This is a nice meet and greet (because) you get to meet them personally and get to know that they’re real people, just like you are.”

Kozak added, “I think it’s important because our media often portrays our police officers in a very negative light. As a graduate and as President of the Alumni Association, I see all the positive things they do for our community and for the individuals in our community. I want people to learn about them… what they do, why they do it, and how they do it.”

What does the Citizens Police Academy do for the community? Adler explains, “We work on a lot of fundraisers, and we also volunteer for the police department during events.” Kozak continued, “We typically serve as eyes and ears of the police department, augmenting their forces at large-scale events.” The Citizens Police Academy is a program that provides community members with an opportunity to learn about law enforcement and contribute to their community’s safety.

Do not just take this article as the final say so on law enforcement. Find out for yourself at the next ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event in Tinley Park, listed below or here.

• September 19 | 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. Dunkin’ Donuts, 7941 W. 171st Street
• October 17 | 10:00 – Noon Krema Coffee Roasters, 6700 South Street (Inside the Oak Park Avenue train station)
• November 19 | 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. Mr. Stacks, 7164 W. 183rd Street

If you wish to get involved with the Citizens Police Academy, click here. NOTE: All applications to join are due October 11, 2024.

‘After you graduate from the 12-week Citizens Police Academy program you can join the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. The Alumni Association has monthly meetings with guest presenters and helps at various Tinley Park events such as being in the TP Parade of Lights, Tinley Park Irish parade, and Rib Fest to name a few.’

Special thank you to Dina Navas (Civilian Crime Prevention Officer) for the additional information.

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