Fifth Annual National Coffee with a Cop Day
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022
National CWAC Day in a Nutshell
National Coffee with a Cop day is a day dedicated to encourage communication and positive interactions between law enforcement agencies and the public.
The day began as part of National Community Policing Week in 2016 and now continues each year on the first Wednesday in October furthering efforts nationwide to bridge the gap between the community and the law.
“Coffee with a Cop is community policing at its core. The simple act of having a cup of coffee with community members can be the first step in increasing trust and cooperation between the police and the people they serve,” said former COPS Office Director Ronald L. Davis.
Our next event is set for Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022.
August 22, 2022
Greetings,
I wanted to send out a quick note to everyone about how excited we are for Coffee with a Cop Day 2022 which will be celebrated this year on October 5th. Since its inception in 2011 Coffee with a Cop events have served to build trust and help foster a sense of community in communities large and small. From huge cities to small farming towns local police agencies have embraced the events as a way to connect with its residents and get to know each other over a cup of coffee.
We are constantly told stories about positive connections and interactions at Coffee with a Cop events around the world. Coffee with a Cop has grown beyond our wildest expectations from when it began at a McDonald’s in Hawthorne California. We hoped to someday have events in all 50 states of the U.S., I am proud to say Coffee with a Cop events are held in 33 nations and 9 languages, all with the aim of creating a space where there are no communication barriers , no speeches, no agenda, just honest conversations about issues affecting communities, sports, great places to eat (everyone knows police know the best places to eat, take it from me lol.)
The last two years have been difficult to say the least, resulting in not having the ability to celebrate Coffee with a Cop Day. We are excited to return to supporting in person events in 2022. Since our first National CwC day back in 2016 (held annually on the first Wed of October) we have grown steadily every year (except for the last two years). Let’s make this one a huge event across the country!
We know that there are lots of things to talk about over coffee these days. Let’s show the world what community policing looks like. Let’s get to know our community, take lots of selfies with the people we serve (everyone loves a smiling selfie.) Make sure you post or photos on social media using the hashtag #CoffeewithaCopDay2022 so we can all see the amazing examples of the great work all of you are doing in your communities. We will post the best photos on our facebook/coffeewithacop page
Make sure you follow the Facebook page and visit coffeewithacop.com for the most up to date information about Coffee with a Cop Day 2022. If you need SWAG items such as banners, signs etc. visit coffeewithacopswag.com which is our authorized vendor for official SWAG.
I wish all the agencies around the world the best of on your events. If you have any question do not hesitate to reach out to us.
We would like to thank CarFax for Police for its commitment to community policing and helping Coffee with a Cop continue to thrive. We will be at the IACP Conference in Dallas this October as part of the Carfax booth. Stop by and ask us some questions about the program and about innovative community policing programs and idea’s, we would love to meet you all.
Don’t forget to use the #coffeewithacopday2022 and #coffeewithacop in your social media. Email us if you have any questions or comments.
Be safe out there,
Sergeant Chris Cognac (retired)
Hawthorne Police Department – Los Angeles County, California
Chris@coffeewithacop.org
Grassroots That Grew Fast
National Coffee with a Cop Day grew out of the casual coffee conversations held in 2011 by the Hawthorne (California) Police Department, which quickly spread throughout the country and then the world. The simple idea for building better relationships with community members caught fire, with other police and sheriff’s departments jumping into the initiative without the need of formal directives.
Firm belief in the value of the initiative by the Hawthorne Police Department and later support and encouragement from the Department of Justice has allowed the grassroots initiative to gain enough momentum to be in all 50 states and nine countries, with no plans on stopping there. With the goal of open, honest communication without the influence of agendas or speeches, citizens everywhere could benefit.
Join the National Coffee with a Cop Day Festivities
We encourage and welcome all law enforcement departments to set up a National Coffee with a Cop day event each year. Host an event in your area, invite the public to join your officers, and help build trust and establish relationships.
Are you a coffee shop, business, or organization that wants to participate? Contact a police, sheriff, public safety, or other law enforcement department in your area and offer to partner. Let them know that there is community support and interest for participating. (And don’t let it stop with National Coffee with a Cop Day. Discuss other events throughout the year!)
Get the Word Out
We’ve got a Facebook and Twitter promotion to get you started.)
We also have a press kit available to download, customize and assist you in promoting your event locally. There are also flyers to print and distribute around your area letting the community know the specifics.
Want something to hand out in addition to coffee at your event? Visit the Coffee with a Cop store for National Coffee with a Cop Day pins and stickers or other Coffee with a Cop swag.
Here’s What Others Are Saying About National CWAC Day
“We have been involved with Coffee with a Cop since 2013, and it has been a great tool for our department to connect with the community. We had a local radio station partner with us, and they do a live remote with us every Coffee with a Cop. This has allowed us to reach tens of thousands of people every month, and our community really appreciates the accessibility that Coffee with a Cop gives them to both our department and officers. For the first National Coffee with a Cop Day, we held six separate Coffee with a Cop’s across our city simultaneously.”
“National Coffee with a Cop Day is a great opportunity for police to get out and meet with community members and just get to know each other in a human level.”
10000+
events
50
states
#5
trend on twitter
33
countries