Coffee with a Cop 2/28/15 at 10am at the Brockton Public Library

Coffee with a Cop is a national movement that aims to build trust between community members and police officers, one cup of coffee at a time. It’s a simple concept: Police officers and community members come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. In over 80 cities in 24 states, Coffee with a Cop has done wonders for community trust and partnership building. One of the keys to Coffee with a Cop’s success is that is removes the physical barriers that routinely exist between police officers and community members, allowing for the relaxed, one-on-one interactions which are the necessary foundation of partnerships.

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.  Informal contact in a friendly atmosphere increases trust between police officers and the members of our community which is critical to public safety and problem solving.  Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Brockton’s neighborhoods.