'#ZeroRespect': Tempe Officers Assn responds after Starbucks barista asked cops to leave because a customer 'did not feel safe'

The Tempe Officers Association has brought to Starbucks’ attention, in no uncertain terms, an incident that occurred on the Fourth of July:

Don't appreciate @Starbucks asking our #Tempe cops to leave your establishment on the #4thofjuly2019. Several of those cops are #veterans who fought for this country! #ZeroRespect pic.twitter.com/oGaDKhlYX3

— Tempe Officers Association (@ToaAz) July 5, 2019

The TOA provided more details:

1/4 A statement from the TOA on The July 4th incident and Starbucks’ treatment of police officers:

Yesterday, on Independence Day, six Tempe police officers stopped by the Starbucks at Scottsdale Road and McKellips for coffee. The officers paid for their drinks…

— Tempe Officers Association (@ToaAz) July 6, 2019

2/4 and stood together having a cup of coffee before their long 4th of July shift. They were approached by a barista, who knew one of the officers by name, because he is a regular at that location. The barista said that a customer “did not feel safe” because of the police…

— Tempe Officers Association (@ToaAz) July 6, 2019

3/4 ..presence. The barista asked the officers to move out of the customer’s line of sight or to leave.

Disappointed, the officers did in fact leave.

This treatment of public safety workers could not be more disheartening. While the barista was polite, making such a request..

— Tempe Officers Association (@ToaAz) July 6, 2019

4/4.. at all was offensive. Unfortunately, such treatment has become all too common in 2019.
We know this is not a national policy at Starbucks Corporate and we look forward to working collaboratively with them on this important dialogue.

— Tempe Officers Association (@ToaAz) July 6, 2019

“There was a customer that felt unsafe because there were so many police officers inside the store and she asked if they could move out of the customer’s sight or go.” – @ToaAz President Robert Ferraro on Tempe @Starbucks incident. #fox10phoenix pic.twitter.com/kYCxJv67hz

— Justin Lum Fox 10 (@jlumfox10) July 6, 2019

Starbucks released a statement:

.@starbucks spokesperson gave me a call. They apologize for what happened with Tempe PD and emphasize the respect they have officers – citing “coffee with a cop” partnership they have at this Tempe location. Here’s a written response. #fox10phoenix pic.twitter.com/ZC9mRnQZ6s

— Justin Lum Fox 10 (@jlumfox10) July 5, 2019

Just imagine the heads that would have exploded if, in addition to the police, there had been somebody wearing a MAGA hat in the coffee shop:

Let us know when you're shutting down the entire chain to address this offensive stupidity, @starbucks https://t.co/WQQgDFpPL7

— Cameron Gray (@Cameron_Gray) July 6, 2019

Sounds like some “sensitivity training” is in order — or maybe just some common sense training.

Time to close all 8000 stores for anti-police bias training @Starbucks https://t.co/2jnACOB58S

— National Police Association (@NatPoliceAssoc) July 6, 2019

Hope the barista or complaining customer don't ever need to call 911! #Tempe #DumpStarbucks https://t.co/24W2FJXJuR

— Josi C (@jbrowning1913) July 6, 2019