On February 16th, 2022, officers from the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety and community members will come together 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 11:00 A.M. on February 16th at
Serendipity- Big Rapids, 102 S Michigan Ave. Please contact Officer William Sell with questions:
231-527-0005, wsell@bigrapidsdps.org.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and
learn more about the department’s work in Big Rapids. The majority of contacts law enforcement has
with the public happens 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.

“We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or
simply get to know our officers,” said Police Chief Danielle Haynes. “This will be the fourth
Coffee With A Cop that we have held. Our support from the community grows bigger at each
one.”

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 held across the country, 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.