Coffee Bean in Dothan holds “Coffee with a Cop”

By Caroline Ritter, WTVY
Original article HERE

Wednesday morning was all about coffee and conversation for more than a dozen Dothan police officers.
They made the community the center of attention for their “Coffee with a Cop” event.

For two hours…Dothan P.D. filled the Coffee Bean, but not because there was a problem.
They were talking about solutions.

From 7 to 9 am, the coffee shop hosted “Coffee with a Cop.”
Benny Baxley, with the Dothan Police Department says:
“It’s like inviting someone to have a cup of coffee, we take care of the coffee and just invite everyone to come down…tell us your problems.”
Eddie Henderson, with the Dothan Police Department says:
“Well it’s a way for the community to interact with police officers in a casual setting.”

About a dozen people showed up to get to know the officers…while also voicing concerns in a casual setting.
Baxley says:
“We love to hear about the dog problems and that seems to be like the number one deal or the traffic problems or whatever we can address to help it to improve.”

Baxley says this is a way for officers to become more aware of what is going on
“We just want to improve our services.”

One person says this is his third Coffee with a Cop event he’s attended.
Charles Thisler who talked with officers says:
“I think it’s important for us to come out so we can learn how to take care of ourselves in our own neighborhoods, what to watch for and also we need to support our policemen.”
“It lets me know and it lets the community know that they’re very concerned about us. We need to be concerned about their safety and welfare also.”

And for local business owner, Chris Green, his way to bring the community together.
Green says:
“These guys put their lives on the line every day and even in Dothan…so you know it’s the least I could do is to host an event where these guys come out, meet the public you know…do away with the any stigma or pre-conceived notion and get to know your local police officers.”

So next time you see a police officer, don’t be afraid to pull up a chair and join them for a cup of joe.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative.
Dothan P.D. has done the event since 2012.
They hope to hold their next one at the end of May.