T-R file photo Former First Ward City Councilor Sue Cahill, standing, is shown talking with several Marshalltown Police Department officers during a “Coffee with a Cop” session at the Orpheum Theater’s Coffee Shop in 2018. The MPD initiated “Coffee with a Cop” to break down barriers with residents.

The Marshalltown Police Department is announcing Coffee with a Cop to be hosted from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Jan. 31 at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA, 108 Washington St. All community members are invited to attend.

“We are excited to have our first Coffee with a Cop event of the new year,” said Sergeant A.J. Accola. “I’m personally excited for the opportunity to see new faces and interact with new people as well as giving Marshalltown citizens the opportunity to see and get to know some of the new faces on the department.”

More than 2,000 law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve have participated in this program.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the police department’s work in Marshalltown neighborhoods. The goal is to establish new bonds within the community and strengthen relationships already fostered.

“Coffee with a Cop has given me the opportunity to interact with the citizens in a positive way, which is something you don’t always get to do on regular patrol,” said Accola. “Every event we have provides me and other department personnel the chance to meet new people and get to know them and their story. It also provides officers with feedback and information from community members that can help us keep the community safe.”

“We hope community members will feel comfortable enough to ask questions, bring concerns or simply get to know our police officers,” said Chief of Police Michael Tupper. “These interactions are the foundation of effective community partnerships. A cup of coffee is a common bond. It brings people together and creates a relaxed atmosphere which we hope will promote open and honest dialogue about how we can work together as one community to tackle the issues facing our community.”

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.

For additional information, contact Accola at 641-754-5725 or via email at aaccola@marshalltown-ia.gov.