Next week, officers from the Corcoran Police Department will get together with local residents in an informal, neutral setting to discuss community issues and build relationships. Coffee with a Cop is a relaxing activity that allows residents to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Corcoran neighborhoods.
The August program will take place Wednesday, Aug. 10 at the local Shell Station mini-mart in the 1200 block of Whitley Ave. and begins at 7 a.m. Additional events will be held throughout the year. Members of the department will be available to chat until 9 a.m.
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 community members 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 the community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns or simply get to know our officers,” said Gary Cramer, deputy chief. “ 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.
