Dear Rohnert Park Residents: You Are Invited To Coffee With A Cop!

From the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety:

Our philosophy in Public Safety has always been to provide excellent service to the citizens of Rohnert Park. There are many ways that we have demonstrated our commitment to public service and we continue to build trust relationships.

We are pleased to announce a new forum to enhance our community relationships with a program that is called “Coffee with a Cop.”

On August 6, officers from the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety 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 begins at 8:30 am at the McDonald’s on Commerce -- 6600 Commerce Blvd, Rohnert Park.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Rohnert Park’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,” said Chief Brian Masterson. “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.

Chief Masterson says, “I am excited about this new opportunity to meet citizens of Rohnert Park in a relaxed, casual setting so they can better know the people behind the badge.”