The Wiscasset Police Department will host its second annual Coffee with a Cop on Aug. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Treats at 80 Main St. All community members are invited to attend.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in the Wiscasset area.

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies, or emotional situations. Those 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. It is a national initiative supported by The U.S. 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. 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.