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Dothan police hosts Coffee with a Cop event at Ray’s Restaurant
By Michele W. Forehand, Dothan Eagle
Original article HERE
Nearly a dozen police officers and 30 to 40 community members gathered to build relationships and address various issues Wednesday morning during the Coffee with a Cop event.
The City of Dothan hosted the event at Ray’s Restaurant to promote communication between police and residents.
Dothan Police Lt. Mac Eggleston believes many may have the wrong idea about Coffee with a Cop.
“This event is not a gripe session,” Eggleston said. “This event is a way for the community to bring up concerns and issues, but most importantly is a way for officers and the community to sit down, shoot the breeze, relax, and have a cup of coffee.”
Coffee with a Cop is an event with no agenda; it all about building bonds, he added.
“We are all just people,” Eggleston said. “During this event, if our community wants to address concerns we will, or if they want to just talk about the weather, we will. It is our goal to build relationships and this event helps us do that.”
During the event, several officers were thanked for their service to the community.
“You know, it always makes us feel good to know we are appreciated,” Eggleston said. “No, we are not in this line of work to get recognition, but it touches an officer deeply to know their work is appreciated, and to those who thanked us today, thank you. Thank you for taking the time to attend this event, and thank you for taking the time to thank us.”
Dothan Police Lt. Scott Long attended the Coffee with a Cop event to address any questions or concerns regarding traffic.
“Today, the only issue I have been approached with is speeding,” Long said. “A community member informed me of a speeding issue taking place on the street he resides on. With that information being brought to our attention, we can now increase patrol in that area.”
The Dothan Police Department hosts Coffee with a Cop quarterly. The next event is scheduled to be held in September.
“For those who were not able to attend today’s event, I urge you to make plans for our next event,” Eggleston said. “Like I said, it’s a great way to build relationships between the community and officers.”
