The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) kicked off the fall semester with its first Coffee with a Cop event, welcoming over 230 students, faculty, and staff to Student Center South. Attendees enjoyed coffee, Cougar punch, and cookies while connecting with the officers who help keep our campus safe.
Students lined up early for refreshments, and by the halfway mark, only coffee and punch remained. Events were also held at UH Sugar Land and Katy, bringing total attendance across all three locations to 500.
“Today’s event was a success,” said Amir Watkins, UHPD Crime Prevention Officer. “I guess we got the word out because the students showed.”
Beyond the snacks, students took the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about
campus safety resources.
Ethan Nguyen, a sophomore health major, asked about the emergency call boxes on campus,
how they work and what to expect in an emergency.
“He asked, if someone suspicious was following him and he pressed the button, how long would it take to respond,” said Watkins. “I told him it would take about two to three minutes for an officer to arrive, and someone would begin speaking to him immediately.”
Nguyen said the conversation was reassuring and informative.
“Now I know they can be used for other emergencies too, like calling a fire truck
or ambulance, not just the police,” the health major said.
Watkins emphasized the importance of events like this for spreading awareness.
“That’s the main reason we host this event to get the information out there,” said
Watkins. “One person tells a friend, and they’ll tell their friend and so it spreads.”
Freshman Rae Davies, a management information systems major, attended for the first time and appreciated the relaxed atmosphere.
“It’s really cool,” she said. “Plus, there’s free coffee.”
Mark Your Calendar! The next Coffee with a Cop event is scheduled for October 8 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come for the coffee, stay for the conversation.
