Flint Police Service Center now up and running at Kettering Univ - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(03/20/13) - It's a bagel shop and a police mini station wrapped in one. Einstein Bros Bagels arrived on Kettering's campus in early March.

Now, as of this week, the Flint Police Service Center is up and running. They share the same building on the corner of University and Chevrolet.

"Kettering University is very lucky to have this unique combination. We're able to incorporate the police and great food, and the coffee is wonderful, as you know," said Jack Stock, Kettering external relations director.

This dining and public safety combo is part of the growing University Avenue Coridor Coalition.

"It's all of our friends along the neighborhood, including the Carriage Town Neighborhood Association, the Mott Park Neighborhood Association, getting together and working together to make sure we fight crime," Stock said.

Kettering students say they've noticed and appreciate the increased police presence on campus.

"Living right next door, it's nice that you always have more security and it makes us feel more comfortable walking places," said student Hayley Schuller.

"Our office hours here are 10 in the morning until 3 o'clock right now, however, we will be going to 6 o'clock in the afternoon," said Officer Tanya Meeks, of the Flint Police Department.

As part of this combined bagel eatery and mini police station, Kettering University and the Flint Police Department are launching something else rather unique as well - The Blue Badge Volunteer Corp.

"They get to come to the station, be a part of the station, do the surveillance and get a bagel and coffee to boot," Stock said.

So far, five volunteers have signed up.

"We need more volunteers. Anybody that wants to come on board, we can use you. The sooner the better," said volunteer Bob Hernandez.

If you'd like to sign up to be a Blue Badge Volunteer, contact the Flint Police Department or Kettering University.