Police department invites residents to have coffee with a cop

If you're a Facebook fan of Grand Rapids Police Department, you may have received the public invitation for a community coffee date with police officers. On August 29, Rapidians will have a chance to meet and speak with officers at Tim Hortons on 900 West Fulton Street.

Coffee with a Cop is sponsored by the Department of Justice, and is held in 36 States in an effort to build strong relationships between citizens and police officers. It's the first Coffee with a Cop event held in Grand Rapids.

"An event like this gives residents/citizens an opportunity to see the police in a more relaxed setting and again, begins to open the lines of communication," says Officer Amanda Linklater. "It also allows residents/citizens to build and form relationships with the officers who work in their neighborhoods. GRPD became aware of the program and in an effort to build on new and exciting ways to interact with citizens, decided to host an event."

If Rapidians respond favorably to the event, the department plans on holding more events in several neighborhoods around the area. This could be an excellent opportunity for residents to have a prominent voice within the police department. 

"We want our citizens to feel comfortable with their local police officers and get to know them on a more personal level; just as we want to get to know our citizens/residents. It is important that the community see us as 'real' people," says Linklater. "We hope that this barrier free environment, where there is no agenda, will help bring people out to talk about whatever issues they have or to simply meet and greet the officers who serve them."

Whether you have questions, concerns or simply want to get to know your community officers, GRPD invites you to head down to Tim Hortons this Thursday from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. For more information, visit their page.