The Scarborough Police Department is brewing more than just coffee, it’s cultivating connections through the “Coffee with a Cop” initiative. This community policing program, held at the SCS Hub on 418 Payne Road, is a way to open communication, build trust, and address local concerns.

“The concept is simple yet powerful, police officers and community members come together in a casual setting, often a local coffee shop, to have informal conversations over coffee and snacks,” Officer Eric Greenleaf said.

“The initiative provides an opportunity for police officers to engage with community members in a relaxed environment, breaking down barriers and fostering open communication,” Greenleaf said. “By sharing a cup of coffee and having casual conversations, both sides get to know each other on a more personal level. This humanizes the officers and allows community members to see them as approachable individuals rather than just authority figures.”

“Coffee with a Cop” originated in 2011 with the goal of creating a positive and approachable image for law enforcement officers while breaking down communication barriers. “It’s a reminder that community-building can happen in simple, everyday settings, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility for public safety,” officer Riley Brown said.

“The lack of a formal structure encourages organic conversations,” he said. “Attendees can expect a laid-back setting where they can freely express their thoughts and needs. Discussions cover a wide range of topics, reflecting the community’s interests and concerns. For example, conversations may touch on the proposed consolidated school, offering a platform for community members to share their perspectives.”

“The community response to our ‘Coffee with a Cop’ events has been positive,” said Brown.

“One memorable and impactful interaction during a ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event involved a story shared by a group home resident,” Greenleaf said. “He recounted the experience of a friend who had participated in the Special Olympics in Orono, Maine. What made this moment particularly touching was that the athlete had a picture of our officers who had worked the event.” He said the athlete had not only received a medal from one of their officers but also cherished the memory enough to share it with friends. “The fact that he held onto a picture of the officers and shared his positive experience highlighted the lasting impact of these community engagements. It’s a testament to the meaningful connections and positive impressions created during ‘Coffee with a Cop’ events, reaching beyond the immediate interaction, and resonating with individuals in unexpected and heartwarming ways.”

Scarborough PD collaborates with community organizations and local businesses to support “Coffee with a Cop” through local outreach. This includes reaching out to local coffee shops for potential hosting and connecting with diverse community groups to boost attendance. Greenleaf said the ‘Coffee with a Cop’ events have become well-received.

The next “Coffee with a Cop,” which is a free event, will be held at the SCS Hub, 418 Payne Road, 9:30 a.m. Feb. 2.