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Hamilton Spectator - Ontario,
01 September 2006

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Can't buy a cop with a coffee

By Paul Martini, Stoney Creek
The Hamilton Spectator
(Sep 1, 2006)
Re: 'There's a hidden menace in that free cup of coffee' (column, Aug. 29)

I know Susan Clairmont's column may be of concern to our brave men and women in uniform in the police and fire services. But as a former police officer, I think she makes a very good point.

Prior to the mid-1960s, police officers were poorly paid. As well, they were not permitted to work in any other job for pay. Many were forced to work a six-day workweek. Some of these old-time cops were quite the scroungers. But I think it was a forced ability for survival.

Thankfully pay scales improved and both the police and fire services are paid well. And they deserve to be well paid for risking their lives and dealing with tragedy on a frequent basis.

It's all perception.

A citizen observes a person in uniform at the local coffee shop receive free coffee. The establishment may want to encourage police to show a presence to create fear in potential thieves or those who may like to create a disturbance. So what about the coffee shop that doesn't offer free coffee? Should they not receive the same attention because they charge for coffee? And what is the perception of the citizen? Probably not very good.

As a police officer, I attended a fast-food outlet to buy my dinner and take it back to the station. I was surprised when the young lady said, "Police officers don't pay for food here." I argued I had to and she argued she could not accept my money. The manager finally intervened and accepted payment.

What did the long line of customers behind me think of this? Probably good for me, but bad for others who would accept a free meal. Certainly a coffee is worth less than a meal. No cop will be bought for the price of a cup of coffee. But it's the perception and it's not worth it.

Firefighters are much more appreciated than police; probably a lot to do with traffic enforcement and the role of the police. But what is the perception of a pumper parked at a grocery store while firefighters buy groceries? Do they get a deal on buying food for their meals at the fire hall? Having been closely involved with the fire service while investigating arsons, I know there is a minimum requirement for firefighters on a pumper. So they have to be ready to respond. Sending one firefighter in a car might take a truck out of service. But the perception is that it's a pretty expensive grocery getter unless they're in the area doing inspections.

As public servants, we must be cognizant of these things. As Clairmont says, "Whether the compromising of integrity is real or imagined, the optics aren't good." It's time to concentrate on public relations and perception.

So don't be angry with Clairmont for airing this issue. I'm sure it's been on the mind of many people over time. Regardless, no one should let this small issue take anything away from good work from both the police and fire services.

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Article sourced from

Hamilton Spectator - Ontario,01 September 2006

Can't buy a cop with a coffee

EiP Comments:

Hamilton Spectator - Ontario,
01 September 2006