City of Columbia Missouri Police Department

600 E. Walnut Street
Columbia, MO 65201

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2014

CONTACT: Sgt Joe Bernhard
573-441-5470
[email protected]

MEDIA RELEASE -FEBRUARY 12, 2014 Columbia Police Department to host Coffee with a Cop on February 21, 2014 Program offers opportunity to meet local officers, discuss community issues

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

On February 21st, 2014, officers from the Columbia 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 is from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. on February 21th, 2014 at Hy-Vee, 25 Conley Rd, Columbia Missouri.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department's work in Columbia'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 that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers.  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.



City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

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