Petersburg's iconic Dixie Restaurant serves coffee and community: 'Chat with the Chief'

PETERSBURG — Petersburg's Police Chief Travis C. Christian wants to hear from the citizens he and his officers serve and protect.

On Tuesday morning, Christian held his first "Chat with the Chief" at the iconic Dixie Restaurant on North Sycamore Street, a block away from the station.

From 9 to 10 a.m., people had an opportunity to voice their concerns, ask questions, and share things going on in the city.

According to Dixie Restaurant owner Frannie Rawlings, the Petersburg Bureau of Police held a similar event a few times named "Coffee with a Cop" where three or four officers wandered around talking to customers.

Rawlings thinks the program is a "good, casual way to talk to citizens in a neutral environment."

Petersburg native Brandi Jarmon thinks "Chat with the Chief" is an amazing idea.

"People here have a complicated relationship with the criminal justice department. Sessions like these show us that they are human and are open to our thoughts, suggestions, and concerns," Jarmon said. "These sessions would be great if done monthly and grow to bigger venues at other times to allow for more participation."

Mayor chats with the Chief

List of Valentine's Day happenings: Virginia is for lovers: What are you and your valentine doing to celebrate?

Musical in new venue: Hopewell's new Box 5 Cabaret Theatre on East Broadway presents 'Little Shop of Horrors'

Going beyond the call of duty...: Petersburg Sheriff elected to lead the Statewide Association of Constitutional Officers

"I showed up today to definitely support him and to let him know that I applaud his efforts," Parham said.

According to Parham, since the City is under restraints right now due to COVID, they kept the Chief's mission to reach out to the community intimate, not a full-blown event.

"We talked to quite a few people and had breakfast, and he's going to do it again once everything is lifted," Parham said.

Parham is grateful to Christian for implementing "Chat with the Chief" because he likes the idea of Christian being more open and out with the public.

"You never know when there are certain people that need help that don't want to call the police headquarters or interact with someone on a one-on-one basis," Parham said.

The mayor commented that the program gives a sense of comfort for the everyday citizen to be able to sit down with the Chief.

"You're not just there with a random officer of the law ... it's the Chief of Police," Parham said. "Making sure he's approachable and seen here in the community is what we're all about."

Community activist all for it

Be prepared for FREE...: COVID-19 at-home tests free from government: Order online, no charge for USPS delivery

Your support helps keep the lights on at The Progress-Index! We are passionate about telling Petersburg's stories. Stay connected with our articles, enterprise reporting and more by clicking "Subscribe" at the top of the page.

Michael Edwards thinks the department is on the right track. Edwards provides both good and bad news about Petersburg via the public Facebook group City of Petersburg Virginia Issues.

"The chief is big on community policing and the officers being involved in the community interacting with the citizens," Edwards said. "He believes if the department can continue gaining the trust of the citizens, then, it's his hope that more will come forward with information in cases that will lead to arrest."

All are welcome to meet Chief Christian up close and in person.

Follow the Petersburg Bureau of Police on Facebook to find out when the next "Chat with the Chief" will be held. Attendees can learn about job opportunities, policies, current issues, identify problems, and discuss police-community relations.

"Chat with the Chief" opens the door for interactions outside of crisis situations that typically bring law enforcement officers and members of the community together.

"We as a community should do everything we can to support our local police," Edwards said.

"For me, these sessions mean community and police involvement moving towards a more positive future 'together' and so much more," Jarmon said.

'Facing the Eviction Crisis' discussion: VSU and Chesterfield County Black History Month events: Virtual and in-person

Swinging for the community: Petersburg Rotary lunch club plays golf: Presents $9K to Southside Virginia Emergency Crew

Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly columnist is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter, and subscribe to us at progress-index.com.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg restaurant hosts 'Chat with the Chief'