University of Nevada Police Services invite the campus community to come together to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee Tuesday, March 13, 2018 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. The event is open to the public and will take place in the Frank & Joan Randall Rotunda in the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center.

"We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns or simply get to know our officers," Adam Garcia, associate vice president and director of University Police Services, said. "These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships."

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department's work at and around the University of Nevada, Reno.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving the relationships between police officers and community members, one cup of coffee at a time.

The majority of interactions law enforcement shares with the public happen during emergencies or situations where emotions run high. As such, these situations are not always the most effective times for building relationships with the community. Coffee with a Cop attempts to break down those barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction between community members and police officers.

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

For more information about the event, go to www.unr.edu/police or contact University Police Services at 775-784-4013.