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Peters Township police host ‘Coffee with the Cops’

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McMURRAY – Data and deer were the topics of the morning at Peters Township Police Department’s first monthly “Coffee with the Cops” program at McDonald’s in McMurray.

“We do a lot in the community and want to let the people know,” said police Capt. Michael Yanchak. “The more positive, the better.”

“Coffee with the Cops” is part of a national initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice and is taking place in 41 states.

These informal gatherings allow residents to share their concerns, offer suggestions and get to know the members of the police force.

Peters Township is the first community to host the Pittsburgh-area event.

“I wanted to come out and support them,” said Dale Moore of Venetia, who attended Friday’s event. “They are a phenomenal group of guys who don’t get enough recognition.”

The kickoff meeting was attended by Chief Harry Fruecht and Yanchak, the department’s top two officers, and a dozen current and former residents.

“We talked to Mike, and we’re here to learn something,” said Joyce Kilgore, a former resident who now lives in North Strabane Township.

Fruecht opened the discussion by showing maps of the township where different types of crime or traffic problems occur.

He said the department has been keeping track of where incidents take place, the day and the time for the last three years.

By having these statistics, Fruecht said he is able to dispatch offers to the trouble spots.

And as a result, crime and traffic incidents in the township dropped 27 percent the first year and 42 percent last year, he said.

“It’s getting us results,” Fruecht said.

The township’s deer-culling program, which is supervised by the police department, also is getting results, according to Yanchak, who said the township’s bow hunting starts the third week in September and continues through the end of October.

There are 50 to 60 archers who participate, and the township does allow hunters to use firearms.

In any given year, between 110 and 150 deer are killed. Before a hunter can shoot a buck, he or she must have killed two does.

All archers and hunters must submit a criminal history and pass skills qualifications.

Peters, which has had a deer-culling program for nine years, also has a deer-management committee.

“We have 100 percent accountability on all arrows used,” Yanchak said. “If you can’t find an arrow, call the police department. We will help you.”

The next “Coffee with the Cops” is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 8 at McDonald’s. Yanchak said he will be at the event and plans to bring another officer with him.

“I hope to do this on a rotating basis with the officers,” he said.

Other get-togethers are scheduled for June 12 and July 10.

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