4th Coffee with a Cop Tuesday in Fair Play

Tuesday morning, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office hosts their fourth Coffee with a Cop event. This is a chance for cops to discuss issues with the community over a cup of coffee, explains Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jimmy Watt. “Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Oconee County 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. 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.” The community is welcome to attend the event, which begins at 8am Tuesday morning at The Gazebo Restaurant in Fair Play just off exit 1 on I-85.