SALISBURY — The Salisbury Police Department will host Coffee With a Cop, where the public can learn about the department’s neighborhood work, discuss community issues, build relationships — and drink coffee.

The program will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Koco Java, 329 N. Main St.

“Coffee With a Cop is all about the community,” said Police Chief Jerry Stokes. “SPD is committed to delivering the highest level of service to all those that live, work or visit Salisbury. This event will offer an opportunity for residents and police officers to continue developing and maintaining strong relationships.”

The event is an opportunity to showcase another side to law enforcement and to build trusting relationships that are vital to improving the quality of life in the community.

Most contact that law enforcement has with the public comes during emergency situations, and that’s not always the most effective time to build relationships. Some people may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street.

Coffee With a Cop is designed to allow for relaxed, one-on-one interactions.

“Although community members will dictate what we talk about, our officers are prepared to engage in casual conversation about football, the weather and why Salisbury is a great place to live and work,” Stokes said. “We teach our officers that to build relationships it takes getting out the car and talking to residents – even if that’s in a coffee shop.”