Sep 30, 2015   9:30am - 11:00am

Coffee with a Cop

On Wednesday, September 30, 2015, officers from the Sarasota Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee.

All residents, visitors, community members and media are invited to attend. The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at McDonalds, 787 South Washington Blvd, Sarasota (at the 301/41 split)

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Sarasota’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 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 that our community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” said Chief Bernadette DiPino, Sarasota Police Department. “These interactions are the foundation of partnerships with our community.”

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 county, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.

The Sarasota Police Department began holding ‘Coffee with a Cop’ events in February 2014.

 

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