The Smithfield Police Department will host their annual Coffee with a Cop event on Wednesday, October 4th at the Smithfield Starbucks located at 110 S. Equity Drive.
Police officers and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. All community members are invited to attend.
Wednesday’s event runs from 9:00am until 11:00am.
Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for citizens to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Smithfield’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.
For more information call Smithfield Police Community Officer Victor Denoble at 919-934-2121 or vjdenoble@smithfieldpd.org.
