On May 11th, officers from the Blue Ash Police Department 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 will be from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m. on May 11th at Sandtrap Grill, located at 4040 Cooper Road.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Blue Ash’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.

“Across the country and right here in Blue Ash our police officers perform regular duties that help to provide our citizens with a safe community,” said Blue Ash Police Chief Paul Hartinger. “We want people to get to know us and understand how we can build a long lasting-relationship with our community members. Coffee with a Cop is a great way to start those conversations and foster good 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.