Officers from the Bellevue Police Department and community members will come together Feb. 18 in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. All community members are invited to attend.

The event begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday at Top Pot Doughnuts, located at 10600 N.E. Ninth Place.

Questions about the event should be directed to Det. Amanda Jensen at 425-452-6915 or CrimePrevention@bellevuewa.gov.

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

“Our hope in implementing this program is to give every resident and every Officer the chance to have just a simple conversation over a cup of coffee that wasn’t instigated by a 911 call,” said Bellevue Police Lieutenant Lisa Patricelli.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. 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.