Area police set 'Coffee with a Cop' events

You’re invited to come have coffee with one of your local law enforcement officials as the fourth annual National Coffee with a Cop Day is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Police departments in the region are inviting community members to join their neighbors and police officers on Wednesday Oct. 2, for National Coffee with a Cop Day. Community members will be able to ask questions and learn more about local law enforcement. While many towns and cities across the country hold Coffee with a Cop events throughout the year, the first Wednesday in October is the “National Coffee with a Cop Day”. This event has no agenda, it allows for a relaxed one-on-one situation for area residents to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know your local law enforcement, the agencies said in a press release. Your local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve, the program also aims to develop the practice of improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time.

Law enforcment agencies taking part in the event include:

- Ponderay Police Department — The department will be at the Ponderay Starbucks, 477100 Highway 95.

Sandpoint Police Department — The department will be at the Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters & Café, 524 Church St., Sandpoint, starting at 11 a.m.

- Priest River Police Department — The department will be at the Infinity Café, 5770 Highway 2 in Priest River from 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Starting at 11 a.m., there will be a special presentation on the Bonner County Sheriff’s Neighborhood Watch/Community Force Program for area residents at this location.

- Newport Police Department — The department will be at Audrey’s Restaurant, 332391 Highway 2, in Newport, Washiington, from 1-3 p.m.

- Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Department — The department will be at Audrey’s Restaurant, 332391 Highway 2, in Newport, Washington. Area residents will have a chance to come and meet Sheriff Glenn Blakeslee from 1-3 p.m.

There are well over 1,500 events scheduled for this day throughout the United States.

“It’s amazing to see our area well represented and participating police departments and businesses,” said Kellie Russo in the press release. “Come out and show your support. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for the National Coffee with a Cop Day for Oct. 7, 2020.”