For some, a cup of coffee is an essential part of the morning routine. For others, it's an occasional treat to get the day going. Whether one is a caffeine addict or just an occasional coffee drinker, though, a cup of coffee can be the start of a great conversation and that is what officers from the Dalton Police Department are planning on June 4. The DPD will be hosting its second "Coffee With A Cop" that morning from 8-10 at the Oakwood Cafe. All members of the community are invited to attend.
The first “Coffee With A Cop” event in Dalton was held April 14, and was a success, with more than two dozen people coming to Panera Bread to have a cup of coffee and engage with officers to discuss what’s happening in the community. Most of the contacts between law enforcement and the public happen during emergency situations or during high stress situations. “Coffee With A Cop” is designed to give members of the public and law enforcement officers a chance to meet and interact with each other in an informal setting to allow for relaxed interaction.
Officials said there is no agenda for the event. Officers from the DPD will be on hand just to meet with the community and talk about issues happening in their neighborhoods or even just sports or movies. The idea is to build relationships and communication with the community that we serve.
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 idea originated with officers in California in 2011 and has since spread to other agencies across the country.
Unfortunately, the police department will not be able to buy coffee for everyone who comes to meet with us, but the conversation will be free.
Anyone with questions about the event can contact Lt. Jamie Johnson at 706-278-9085, extension 9175 or by email at jjohnson@cityofdalton-ga.gov.