Melrose Police to Host Coffee with a Cop Event on October 3

Chief Michael L. Lyle would like to invite community members to attend the Melrose Police Department’s annual Coffee with a Cop event next week.

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 4-7 p.m.

WHERE: Bruegger’s Bagels, 496 Main St.

WHAT: Melrose’s event coincides with National Coffee with a Cop Day, which occurs the first Wednesday of October each year. Implemented throughout cities and towns throughout the country, the endeavor is designed to provide a welcoming environment for residents to meet police officers and talk about what’s going on in their community.

Members of the Melrose Police Department will be available to meet and chat with residents on a topic of their choosing over a cup of joe.

“While we interact with residents on a daily basis, this is a great opportunity for members of this community to meet with officers in a casual, relaxed setting to discuss any number of topics,” Chief Lyle said. “We hope that community members will stop in to say hello, ask questions and meet officers they may not know.”

Coffee with a Cop is part of the department’s monthly community meetings initiative, where police and other city and state officials gather to discuss different topics with members of the community.

About Coffee with a Cop:

Coffee With a Cop began in Hawthorne, California in 2011 as a result of police officers brainstorming ways to better interact with their community. They developed a simple plan to break down the barriers that have been built between police officers and citizens — have a cup of coffee, discuss what’s on your mind, ask questions and make suggestions that could better the community.

Since its creation, Coffee With a Cop events have been held in all 50 states, along with Canada, Europe, Australia, Africa and Latin America. It is regarded as one of the most successful community oriented policing programs in the U.S.