PJ's Hosts Coffee With A Cop Event

Nov 2nd, 2016

Ballard Brands

On Wednesday, October 26th, PJ’s Coffee partnered with the Tulane University Police Department (TUPD) to host a Coffee with a Cop event at 6501 Willow St., New Orleans, LA.  Lead by Sgt. Roger Barnes, Community Policing Coordinator at TUPD, police officers and members of the community came together to discuss community issues, build relationships and share a cup of coffee.

PJ’s Coffee supplied free hot coffee and cold brew coffee to over 100 participants.  “We’re providing a platform for police officers and members of the community to have an open conversation and maintain a level of confidence amongst each other,” said Reid Nolte, Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy at PJ’s Coffee.  “We’re looking forward to hosting more events in the near future.”

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 to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers,” said TUPD said Sgt. Roger Barnes. “These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships.”   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 being 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.