The Wake Forest Police Department is setting up an event that they likely hope will perk up community relations. Their "Coffee with a Cop" meet-up is scheduled for the morning of Nov. 18 at Wake Forest Coffee Company, a local spot over at 156 S. White St. This casual get-together will run from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and offers residents the chance to sip on a fresh brew while chatting with the folks tasked to serve and protect them.
These types of events are not unusual, they're part of a bigger idea, one that's been percolating across the country. It's generally understood that most encounters between cops and citizens happen under less-than-ideal circumstances--you know, emergencies, high-stress situations. They're not exactly prime for heart-to-heart talks. But here, the WFPD is inviting people for a cuppa joe and some real talk, all outside the usual patrol or procedural backdrop. "Coffee with a Cop" aims to break down barriers and foster one-on-one interaction, as mentioned in a statement published by Wake Forest's official news outlet.
Wake Forest locals can expect a handful of uniformed officers at the coffee shop, ready to answer questions and offer insights into their work. It's not the venue for making speeches or airing long-held grievances--a more informal affair. The event itself has the backing of the national initiative supported by The US Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.
And it looks like this won't be a one-time thing. Indications are the WFPD is set to stir up more of these events across Wake Forest over the next several months, hitting up a variety of local haunts.
