‘Face-to-face’ initiative met with enthusiasm
On Wednesday, the heads of the Cape Coral Police Department took to the city’s streets.
Chief Dave Newlan and Deputy Chief Lisa Barnes, joined by Central District Resource Coordinator Mike Anderson and Officer Jeffrey Karau, went from business to business in the 1400 to 1500 block of Del Prado Boulevard South, talking to owners and employees as part of its Community Face to Face.
“This is one of our community policing programs,” Newlan said.
Every month, the department targets an area of the city to visit, alternating between businesses and residences each time. Having visited commercial and residential areas in the North District and South District, staff moved on to the Central District this month to hold its fifth Community Face to Face.
“We get out in the streets on foot,” he said of command staff and officers.
Newlan explained that the team goes door to door – whether a business or home – and introduces themselves. They ask about any problems or issues for the area or concerns the person may have.
“To just introduce ourselves on a personal basis,” he said.
So far, only small issues such as concerns about transients and suspicious vehicles have been reported.
“The biggest benefit is meeting people face to face,” Newlan said.
He noted that making connections are key to the program.
“I think our relationship with the community is very important,” Newlan said.
On Wednesday, one of the businesses the team visited was Alison’s Furniture & More, at 1404 Del Prado Blvd. S., Suite 170. The owners were on hand, as well as their daughter, Ally Coppertino.
Coppertino explained that she had never heard of the program.
“I think it’s actually pretty cool they come out,” she said.
Coppertino saw it as an opportunity to meet the officers serving the Cape and the chief.
“You’re actually meeting him,” she said of Newlan.
While the family had no major issues or problems of present to share with the chief, one of the customers did stop to chat with Newlan. Afterward, he and Anderson headed to the next business.
John Nassif recently rented out office space in the plaza for his business, Omni Fight Club. With a tentative opening date set for January, he described the future spot as a mix of cardio and kickboxing.
Nassif also had never heard of the CCPD’s Community Face to Face program.
“I think its positive,” he said.
“It just means, I think, they’re willing to work with us,” Nassif said.
He felt that the program has a bright future.
“I think it will be very successful,” Nassif said.