In an effort to foster a closer bond between law enforcement and local community members, the Raleigh Police Department has announced a ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event set for the end of this month. This informal meet-and-greet will take place at Sir Walter Coffee on Friday, from 2–3 PM. Citizens will have the chance to connect with officers from the department’s TRACE Unit and Downtown District in a relaxed setting, brewing up dialogue over a cup of joe.
The initiative, which is spearheaded by the Downtown District, aims to create an environment of open communication and mutual understanding; it’s a direct response to Chief Boyce’s directive to prioritize strong community relations within the Raleigh area, and as the Raleigh Police Department mentioned on their Facebook page, “Come grab a cup, meet your officers, and let’s continue working together to keep Raleigh safe and connected.” The expectations are that this casual setting will allow for a more personal interaction between officers and residents where they can discuss concerns and ideas for improving neighborhood safety…