Officers from the Poplar Bluff Police Department and citizens will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee on Oct. 13.
The event, Coffee with a Cop, will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at McDonald's North Westwood Boulevard, and all community members are invited to attend.
Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for citizens to ask questions and learn more about the department's work in Poplar Bluff's neighborhoods.
The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some in the community may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street.
Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.
"We hope that you, the citizens of Poplar Bluff, will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers," said Chief Danny Whiteley. "These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships."
Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the country, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.
The program aims to strengthen the relationships between a communities' police and its citizens, through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.
For more information, contact Lt. Darron Moore at 573 785-5776 ext. 1345 or email him at dmoore@pbpolice.org.