Canton Police Looking for Local Businesses to Host Coffee With a Cop Next Year

The Canton Police Department is looking for businesses or organizations interested in hosting a session of its new Coffee with a Cop program in 2014. 

The department recently held a few trial sessions, and based on positive feedback, is looking to expand the program to one location per month.

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

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or stressful situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for 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,” Deputy Chief Scott Hilden said in a news release. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.”

In order to host a session of Coffee with a Cop, local businesses or organizations must have a Canton location, be open to the public and allow coffee to be provided for attendees.

If your business or organization is interested in hosting a two-hour session, contact the department at 734-394-5401.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice. Similar events are held across the country. The program aims to advocate the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.

Source: news release