Next Wednesday, October 2, law enforcement agencies nationwide will recognize the fourth annual National Coffee with a Cop Day. Launched by officers from the Hawthorne, California Police Department in 2011, the mission of National Coffee with a Cop Day is to reduce barriers between police and the public and to increase public safety. This effort provides a framework for officers to establish trust and build bridges with the communities they serve. On this day, many communities in all 50 states will host Coffee with a Cop events, making it one of the most successful community-oriented policing programs across the country. Members of the public who participate in a Coffee with a Cop event have the opportunity to create meaningful conversations between local law enforcement officers and community residents. Local partners can find more information on how to get involved, retrieve contact information for organizations who have hosted past events, and sign up for or register their event on the National Coffee with a Cop website.