On Friday, November 16, officers from the Prairie Village Police Department and citizens will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.

All citizens are invited to attend.  The event begins at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, November 16, 2018 at Einstein Bagels (6970 Mission Rd).  Please contact Sgt. Gray with questions:  913/385-4620 or tgray@pvkansas.com.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for citizens to ask questions and learn more about the Department’s work in Prairie Village and Mission Hills 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 citizens may feel officers are unapproachable on the street.  Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

“We hope our citizens will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” said Police Chief Tim M. Schwartzkopf.  “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.