Sarasota Cops Want To Hear What's On Your Mind Over Cup Of Joe

SARASOTA, FL — The Sarasota Police Department wants to hear what's on your mind over a cup of Joe.

The agency plans to hold two Coffee With a Cop events on Wednesday Oct. 2. The first is set to take place from 10 a.m. to noon inside the McDonald’s at 3511 Fruitville Road. The second is set to take place from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m in the Starbucks at 1375 S. Tamiami Trail.

"Sarasota police officers and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee," according to Genevieve Judge of the agency. "Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the Sarasota Police Department’s work in the city of Sarasota’s neighborhoods."

She said most contacts with the agency happen during emergencies or other 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," she said. "Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction."

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 held by other departments around the county.

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. The Sarasota Police Department began holding Coffee with a Cop events in February 2014.