Wednesday, April 17, from 9 to 11 a.m., officers from University Police Services and community members from the University of Nevada, Reno will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee.

All community members are invited to attend. The event will take place in The Center, Every Student. Every Story., on the third floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union.

"We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns or simply get to know our officers," Todd Renwick, director of 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 on and around the University.

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 and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop attempts to break down those barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction between community individuals 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 being held across the county as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

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