Montpelier Police Celebrate National Coffee With a Cop Day

By Rebecca Reese, My Champlain Valley
Original article HERE

Montpelier Police celebrated National Coffee with a Cop Day on Saturday.

Police said they started pouring cups of joe with the community a couple of years ago. This year, the Department set up a table at the Farmer’s Market offering a free cup of coffee and conversation.

Chief of Police Tony Facos said any chance they can help bridge the gap between police and community members is constructive and helps build trust.

“They’re just genuine casual conversations,” Facos said. “You only come over and talk to us if you want to talk to us, but we really appreciate the feedback. I think it’s mutual and that’s what’s really important.”

According to the National Coffee with a Cop Program, the idea was first launched in Hawthorne, California in 2011. The event has since been held in all 50 states.

In Montpelier, Chief Facos said the department tries to hold similar events every few months.