By Beth Cassidy
For the Clemmons Courier

Their mission is to serve and protect, but every few months, they’re also available for a conversation over a cup of joe.

Coffee with a Cop, a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, offers the opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about what police officers do in Clemmons’ neighborhoods. The program was launched in California in 2011, and the Village of Clemmons began the program locally in October 2015. The most recent event was held on June 19th and was hosted by Chick-fil-A Clemmons.

Shannon Ford, marketing/communications director for the village, said 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.

“We enjoy partnering with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office to provide a setting for community members to feel comfortable asking questions or simply getting to know the officers.”

The program has expanded beyond the United States, to at least four other countries, with the first international event in Montreal, Canada in 2014. Similar events are being held across the country, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

If a business within the Clemmons municipal limits is interesting in hosting an event, they may contact Ford at 336-766-7511 or www.clemmons.org.