On Wednesday, October 3, 2018, from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m., the Sarasota Police Department will host Coffee with a Cop at Pastry Art, 1512 Main Street, Sarasota.  Members of the public and media are invited to attend.

Sarasota Police Officers and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee.  Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the Sarasota Police Department’s work in the City of Sarasota’s neighborhoods.

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations.  Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community and some community members may feel that Officers are unapproachable on the street.  Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.  Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.  The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.  The Sarasota Police Department began holding Coffee with a Cop events in February 2014.

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