Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods, Kildeer police to host Coffee with a Cop Oct. 4

On Wednesday, Oct. 4, officers from the Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods and Kildeer Police Departments and community members will join in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee.

All community members are invited to attend. The event will be from 8-10 a.m. at Mariano's Fresh Market, at 1350 E. Route 22, Lake Zurich.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members from the area to ask questions and learn more about each police department.

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

"We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns or simply get to know our officers," Lake Zurich Police Chief Steve Husak said. "These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships. The Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods and Kildeer Police Departments work together in a variety of projects and programs, so it makes sense for the three agencies to host this event together."

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events will be held across the country on Oct. 7, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

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.