Have a cup of coffee and meet your local police officers.

The Mocksville Police Department is launching its first Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 10-11:30 a.m. at The Factory Coffeehouse at 128 N. Main St.

It will be held the first Wednesday of each month.

“It’s good to have our officers out in public when they’re not on duty, visiting with residents and building relationships,” said Chief Todd Penley. “The majority of our officers’ contact with the public happens during crisis or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship-building with the community.

“I believe programs like Coffee with a Cop help break down barriers and allow for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction between community members and our officers,” Penley said.

Coffee with a Cop was launched in Hawthorne, Calif. in 2011, as a result of a brainstorming session. Members of the Howthrone Police Department were looking for ways to interact more successfully with  residents they serve each day.

Coffee with a Cop was created to help break barriers between the police and members of the community in an open forum over a cup of coffee. This simple idea brings police officers and the community together to discuss issues and learn more about each other. Members of the community can ask questions, raise concerns, or just say hello.

More information and upcoming events can be found on the Mocksville Police Department’s Facebook page @sargebutters.