Submitted content

The Collinsville Police Department will welcome members of the community to discuss issues, build relationships and drink coffee Tuesday, Dec. 16.

Photo by Roger Starkey

The event, held at the McDonald’s at 520 Ramada Blvd., Collinsville – near Illinois Route 157 and Interstate 55/70 – will be an informal gathering in a neutral space, Collinsville Police said.

“Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Collinsville’s neighborhoods,” a police spokesperson said.

Part of a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, Coffee with a Cop will give community members an opportunity to speak with officers in a situation that is not an emergency or emotional, a spokesperson said.

“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,” a spokesperson said. “Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.”

Collinsville Police Chief Steve Evans, who often voices his support for a community focused police department, said he hoped community members will feel comfortable asking questions, raising concerns or simply getting to the know the officers at the event.

“These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships,” Evans said.

Collinsville’s Coffee with a Cop will be held at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16 at the McDonald’s at 520 Ramada Blvd. Similar events are being held across the country.

Submitted content