University police bridge the gap over a cup of joe

By Kerrie Hall, KAGS
Original article HERE

To some, law enforcement can be intimidating but local law enforcement are working to change that stigma through their Coffee with a Cop program.

The national initiative began in 2011 and is supported by the United States Department of Justice.

“Coffee with a cop is a great way for us to meet and interact with members of our community,” said Lieutenant Bobby Richardson.

Texas A&M University police hosted their biannual Coffee with a Cop event among a building full of eager students, faculty and staff.

This event, held twice a semester, brings police officers and the local community members they serve together over coffee to discuss issues and learn more about each other.

“It’s probably my favorite event because we get to visit with our community and sometimes we talk about community concerns but a lot of us are Aggies so we talk Aggies sports, Aggie football and stuff like that,” said Richardson.