LPD Prepares to Host Second Annual ‘Coffee With a Cop’

After the success of last year's "Coffee with a Cop", the Laramie Police Department has organized another event this year. "Coffee with a Cop" gives residents in the Laramie community "an opportunity to come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee."

The event has expanded this year, with two sessions instead of one. Both will take place on October 3, albeit in separate locations. The first session will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Starbucks' Grand Avenue location, and the second session will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Coal Creek's uptown location in the UW Plaza.

A press release from the Laramie Police Department notes that the majority of interactions between law enforcement officials and the public happen in emergency situations, and that some community members may feel uncomfortable approaching officers in public. "Coffee with a Cop" seeks to break down barriers and allow officers and community members to interact one-on-one in a casual, relaxed setting.

"We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers", said LPD chief Dale Stalder. Stalder added that "These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships."

The event is part of the "Coffee with a Cop" intiative, which started in California in 2011. The initiative is supported by the United States Department of Justice and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are held across the country to help local police departments build connections with the communities they serve.

For more information about the event, please email Officer Jason Crumpton at jcrumpton@cityoflaramie.org.