In another display of community togetherness, Salem police held their fourth “Coffee with a cop” get-together on July 13 at the Broadway Coffee House. This time, a young woman made it happen.

“Long story short, I actually tweeted the Salem Police Department in light of everything that happened,” Jessica Hill said. “And I said, along the lines of, ‘if we ever needed a coffee with a cop, I think now would be a good time.’”

Salem Police Chief Jerry Moore says they’re lucky to have a supportive community in Salem.

“We’ve had a whole bunch of cards and letters and support for our police officers,” Moore said. “This is just an opportunity for our officers to talk to people after the incidents over the last week.”

More said he wants to build a reputation where people know they can rely on law enforcement.

“I think that’s important,” Hill said. “Just beginning a conversation. It doesn’t have to be pointed questions but just building relationships with our law enforcement.”

Coffee with a cop is popular with many police departments, including the Portland Police Bureau, which held their own not long ago.

“We’re in a people business and everything we do involves people,” Moore said. “We’re trying to build alliances with these people. You can make relationships over a long period of time or you can make them real quick depending on how you approach people and how you treat them.”