The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Source: 

Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:47 PM

Sevierville Police, Community To Come Together To Discuss Issues, Build Relationships, Drink Coffee

On May 9, 2018, officers from Sevierville Police Department and community members will come together in an informal setting to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.

All community members are invited to attend. The event begins at 8:00 AM at Chick Fil-A, 1432 Parkway in Sevierville. Please contact Sgt. Matt Nicol with questions: 865-868-1699, mnicol@seviervilletn.org.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in Sevierville’s neighborhoods.

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 a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

“We hope that community members will feel comfortable, ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” said Sgt. Matt Nicol. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships our department works to build and maintain.”

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 county, 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.