The Shreveport Police Department has announced a program to give residents the opportunity to meet local officers and community issues and it's called 'Coffee with a Cop.' The event will take place Friday, August 22nd at the McDonalds located on North Market Street. Here's more about the event from Shreveport Police Department Public Information Officer Marcus Hines:

On August 22, 2014, officers from the Shreveport Police Department 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 8:30 a.m. on August 22 at the McDonalds restaurant located at 1601 North Market Street. Please contact Captain Jacqueline Willis with questions: (318) 673-6950 or Corporal Mary Garrett (318) 402-3850 or mary.garrett@shreveportla.gov.

 

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Shreveport’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.

 

“We hope community members will feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns, or simply getting to know our officers,” said Shreveport Police Chief Willie Shaw “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 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.

 

 

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