Minot law enforcement officers meet the community for coffee

By Meghan von Behren, KFYR
Original article HERE

Minot residents got to enjoy a cup of joe with local police officers this morning for “Coffee with a Cop.”

This annual event has taken place in Minot for almost four years.

The idea behind the day began in Hawthorne, California when a police officer wanted to find a way to bring law enforcement and the community together. It has grown over the years and Minot Police Officer Aaron Moss says it is well received in Minot.

“I love the public interaction. It’s very informal. There are no scripts there are no agendas here. Just sit down and talk over a cup of coffee. Tends to encourage spontaneous honest discussions,” said Senior Officer Aaron Moss, Crime prevention officer.

Both Minot police and Ward County sheriff’s participated. Everyone seems to enjoy their time, Starbucks even let Moss work the drive thru.

“If they have a question about police procedure of policy the time to learn about that is at events like these. Not when red lights come on behind you on the highway or there’s a knock at your door and there is a uniformed police officer there. Those tend to be intimidating and confrontational. This is a very friendly interactive environment,” said Moss.

The nationwide Coffee with a Cop day is October 2. The Minot Police Department, Ward Country Sheriff’s Department and Starbucks will once again be participating. So if you weren’t able to come out Thursday, you will have another chance in a couple of months at the South Broadway location.