Dothan Police have coffee with residents

By Lisa Sacaccio, WTVY
Original article HERE

Mornings can be a little dull but that wasn’t the case at Ray’s Restaurant in Dothan earlier today. The eatery was filled with breakfast and some of Dothan’s finest men and women in blue.

For two hours, Dothan P.D. filled Ray’s Restaurant in downtown, but not for safety concerns. From 7 to 9a.m. , the eatery hosted Coffee with a Cop.

“It’s based on the principle of inviting people to come down and have a cup of coffee and talk to us,” explained Dothan Police Lieutenant, Benny Baxley.

Coffee with a Cop provides people the chance to meet and greet their local law enforcement, in a relaxed setting.

“It gives people the opportunity to come and speak with police officers and supervisors that they don’t always see all the time,” said John L. Chesser, and officer for the Dothan Police Department.

“Especially with the current atmosphere of animosity between the public and police officers this is the way to get past that and see they are real people,” mentioned Michael McBride, a father. “They breath like us, they drink coffee like that, and they have good days and bad days, and it’s just really a way see who they really are a people beyond the badge.”

Today, people were able to start their morning with breakfast and chat with police about anything they wanted.

“We usually go to a place with really good food, and we provide the coffee, pay for the coffee, and we enjoy talking and meeting the people that come,” added Baxley.

Next time you see an officer, don’t be afraid to pull out a chair and start a conversation. It may be the start to a new friendship.

Coffee with a cop is a national initiative. Dothan P.D has done the event before…starting back in 2013.They find it successful in building lasting relationships with the community.