The Easley Police Department is using Coffee with a Cop as a program to increase the interaction between the city’s residents and law enforcement with the goal of a better community in mind.

EASLEY — In an effort to create more interaction and presence in the community, Easley Police Chief Tim Tollison and members of the EPD are making an extra effort to become more visible and accessible to the community.

Through an initiative called Coffee with a Cop, Tollison and his personnel are reaching out to residents with a purpose, not just propaganda.

The program will take place at neutral locations to discuss local issues, community concerns, and build sustainable relationships between law enforcement and the public they protect.

“We hope community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” Tollison said. “These positive interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.”

According to Tollison, the majority of contacts between law enforcement and the public occur during emergencies and/or emotional situations which are “not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community.”

“What Chief Tollison is doing with this program is a positive for our community and we support him entirely,” Easley Mayor Larry Bagwell said. “In today’s environment being a law enforcement officer is a tough job and showing the members of the community our officers are part of the community and care is important.”

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services with similar programs being held nationwide in an effort to close the gap between residents and the officers who serve and protect.

The aim is to advance the practice of community policing by improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time. EPD is planning events throughout the city for an indefinite period of time.

The next Coffee with a Cop will be held July 11 at Starbuck’s in Easley. The community is invited to attend and participate.