Local police to host ‘Coffee with a Cop’

Posted on March 8, 2015

Officers from Bloomington will join Normal, McLean County and Illinois State University for 'Coffee with a Cop' on Friday. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Bloomington Police Department)

By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON – Police officers from four local agencies will gather next week for a chance to meet with the public one-on-one.

It's part of an national effort called "Coffee with a Cop," from 7-10 a.m. Friday at the McDonald's, 525 Brock Drive, Bloomington.

Bloomington Police spokeswoman Sara Mayer says it provides a relaxed atmosphere to talk to an officer.

"It allows for you to have a one-on-one interaction with an officer in an informal neutral way to discuss issues," Mayer said. "If you called 911, you might not have had a chance given the crisis situation."

Normal Police assistant chief Eric Klingele said the program is intended as a way to talk community issues and break down barriers. He added sometimes you have to go the public to hear what's on their mind.

"We hope that we wouldn't have to some something like this to hear concerns," Klingele said.

Police from Bloomington, Normal, the McLean County Sheriff's Department and Illinois State University will be there. McDonald's is providing the coffee free.

Officers say they hope to make this a semi-regular event.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].

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