On October 6th, 2023, officers from the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety and community members, will join other officers and community members nationwide to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee during a Coffee with a Cop Day at the Big Rapids Farmer’s Market.

All community members are invited to attend. The event begins at 9:00 A.M. on October 6th at the Big Rapids Downtown Farmer’s Market, in the City Hall parking lot, 226 N 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 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 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 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. This Coffee with a Cop is also being held in conjunction with National Faith and Blue Weekend.