SPD and SCSO Host Coffee With a Cop

Posted 08-02-18.

On Wednesday, August 22, officers from Sevierville Police Department and the Sevier County Sheriffs Office will come together with residents and community members in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.

All residents and community members are invited to attend. The event will take place at Krispy Kreme, 717 Winfield Dunn Parkway (Highway 66) beginning at 8:00AM. Please contact SPD Sgt. Matt Nicol for additional information (865-868-1699; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..).

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about how officers work in your neighborhood.

 

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 SPD Chief Joseph Manning. “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 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.