Coffee with a Cop is on a mission to improve trust and build relationships – one cup of coffee at a time.
Background
Coffee with A Cop was launched in Hawthorne, California in 2011 when Officers from the Hawthorne Police Department were looking for ways to interact more successfully with the citizens they served each day. Community policing has long been considered a framework for establishing trust between the community and the police. However, over time the character and composition of our nation’s communities have changed due to shifting demographics, more commuters, and the introduction of different communication methods such as websites and social media. The Hawthorne Police Department hit upon a simple plan to break through the barriers that have been built over the years–a cup of coffee. Coffee with a Cop events are now held in all 50 states and is one of the most successful community oriented policing programs across the country. The program has also expanded to outside the Unites States to Canada, Europe, Australia, Africa, and Latin America. The key to Coffee with a Cop’s growing success is that it opens the door for interactions outside of the crisis situations that typically bring law enforcement officers and community members together.
Coffee with a Cop, Inc. is a California Nonprofit Corporation with IRS 501(c)3 status. Your donation is tax deductible. Coffee with a Cop, Inc. Tax ID #82-4991903
This website and correspondence is part of the National Coffee with a Cop program run by the nonprofit organization comprised of current and retired officers from the Hawthorne Police Department. Our mission for this site is to be the one voice that helps and maintain a national voice under one entity.
This site is maintained by the Hawthorne Police Department. Funding for this website was provided by the Target Corporation and the Crown Family Philanthropies.
Historic Timeline
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Hawthorne, California's Police Department Community Affairs Unit hosts first Coffee with a Cop event.
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A national training program is established through a partnership between the Hawthorne Police Department and the University of Illinois’ Center for Public Safety and Justice.
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First international Coffee with a Cop held in Montreal, Canada.
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With Honolulu PD hosting their first event, Coffee with a Cop is now in all 50 States
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COPS office supports and establishes a National Coffee with a Cop day where every law enforcement agency in the United States hosts a Coffee with a Cop event on the same day. The National Coffee with a Cop day will be held on the first Wednesday of October annually.
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Coffee with a Cop, Inc. established as a Nonprofit Corporation with IRS 501(c)3 status. Tax ID #82-4991903.
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Coffee with a Cop expands to add regional Instructors that help agencies locally with training and support
Coffee with a Cop National Program
The officers behind Coffee with a Cop have served communities in a variety of units – from Narcotics to SWAT to Department leaders. They all share a commitment to collaboration and relationship-building.
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