(Fort Wayne, IN)-On Saturday, August 29th, officers from the Indiana State Police, Fort Wayne Police, Allen County Sheriff, Indiana Conservation Officers, Indiana State Excise Police 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. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29th at the Come As You Are Community Church located at 7910 S. Anthony Boulevard in Fort Wayne. Please contact Indiana State Police Sergeant Ron Galaviz with questions at (260) 459-4819 or [email protected].
Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about these departments’ work in Fort Wayne and Allen County 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.
“We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” said Officer Michael Joyner, Fort Wayne Police Department. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.”
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 country as law enforcement agencies strive to make long 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.
