JAMES CITY COUNTY — The James City County Police Department held its latest Coffee with a Cop event on Dec. 9 at Frothy Moon Brewhouse.
Coffee with a Cop events are designed to provide a relaxed setting where the public can discuss various topics with law enforcement, including crime prevention, local concerns, safety education and more.
Additionally, the police department may bring information regarding recent crime trends, scams and frauds to prompt conversation, as well as handouts for the kids and an opportunity to check out the department’s monster truck.
The informal setting aims to allow residents to ask questions and build relationships with police officers, including how and when to contact police, which they may not be able to do under other circumstances.
Often, the department will use the events to promote programs. For example, on Monday, the team brought literature on Project Lifesaver, which is designed to reduce the time it takes to locate persons who suffer from Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Autism, or any other disorder that may cause the tendency to wander.
Police Programs Coordinator Alan McDowell explained how Project Lifesaver places personalized radio transmitters on either the wrist or ankle of participants to assist local emergency agencies in locating those who cannot help themselves. Information can be shared with participating law enforcement agencies across the country, and regionally, participating agencies reach from New Kent to North Carolina.
The service, which the department offers for free, is an example of something the department provides that the public may not know about, and Coffee with a Cop events provide a forum to raise awareness.
The department is also in final preparations for its annual Shop with a Cop event on Saturday, where the Department of Social Services selects local children in need to pair with officers for a holiday shopping experience.
Find the latest on upcoming events on the James City County website.
