It’s the enforcers of the law getting to know the people in their community. Coffee With a Cop has another Sioux Falls installment before packing up for the summer.

Coffee with a Cop began March, 2011 in Hawthorne California. Police and community members came together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. Coffee With a Cop events are being hosted in more than 36 states across the nation.

Sioux Falls Police Captain Greg VandeKamp announced the time and date of two more opportunities to talk with the officers that patrol a certain area of town. Flyboy Donuts on S. Western Avenue will host one event on Wednesday, June 17 from 8:00-10:30 AM. Meanwhile Dunn Brothers Coffee on E. Arrowhead Parkway will hold their event from 1:00-3:30 PM.

VandeKamp praises the gatherings as a way to relax with officers. “There’s nothing really formal about (them). It’s just a chance for the community to bring forth concerns and comments.”

When there is communication, police are better able to serve the community. “We use it in our planning,” says VandeKamp.” “If there are concerns within that neighborhood, we’ll come up a formal plan on how we’ll address the issue and move forward from there.” After a couple of months off, the events will resume in the fall.

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