Bailout Cafe: Bridging the Gap Between Residents and Police

Step into Bailout Cafe in Saharanpur and you’ll immediately notice words like “corrupt”, “scary”, and “rude” painted on a stone wall. This unconventional decor is the result of a survey where people were asked to use one word to describe the police – the same police who run the cafe.

The cafe, along with this ‘wall of perception’, is an effort to create a more informal setting where residents and the police can come together, according to an officer.

“The concept of a cafe was approved by the SSP and we started working on it in December. It was quite a challenge as we had to manage everything while continuing with our police duties. We even had elections in between. But we wanted to create a unique space for everyone,” said Preeti Yadav, CO City 1, who designed the cafe.

Once a run-down canteen with minimal seating, the cafe, located inside the police lines, now features vibrant pink exteriors, a locally-sourced marble and stone paved entrance, and seating for over 40 people both inside and outside.

The decor incorporates recycled materials – a fountain made from bottles and bulbs inside cheese graters serving as lamps.

There are two boards at the entrance listing out instructions, one of which states that the cafe does not offer wifi to encourage interactions and conversations between people and the police.

“Most of the materials have been sourced from the local market. For example, we made messages on wooden boards that are leftover from furniture manufacturing,” said Yadav, a third-generation police officer.

The proceeds from the cafe will go to the department’s funds.

In the afternoon, police officers can be seen enjoying a cold beverage during a quick break from their duties. Young students stand outside the pink gate taking selfies, while wives of police officers bring their friends to show them around.

“This is a blessing for us. The quarters we live in are usually very small, and we are unable to invite anyone. With this place, we can hold gatherings with our family, and even host birthday parties for our children,” said a constable visiting the cafe.

The cafe has started to generate a buzz in the area. Locals are quick to point out directions and express their interest in visiting the cafe.

“I saw pictures of the cafe and it looks appealing. Even though we usually don’t visit police lines unless there is an issue, it seems like a place where we can go with friends. I would definitely like to visit the cafe,” said Akash, a college student.