Volusia County, FL- It’s community-based policing at its most basic, grass-roots level -- residents getting to know local law enforcement and discussing public safety concerns with the officers who patrol their streets. This Wednesday Volusia County residents will have six opportunities to do just that, thanks to a series of Coffee With A Cop events being hosted at McDonald’s restaurants throughout Central Florida.
Part of a national initiative, the Coffee With A Cop program is designed to keep open lines of communication and foster a greater understanding between the citizens and police. For law enforcement, it’s a way to connect with the community in an informal setting, answer questions and hear first-hand from residents about public safety issues. And for the public, it’s an opportunity to meet face-to-face with law enforcement officers and discuss ways to work together to help keep the community safe. The Sheriff’s Office has eagerly embraced the concept, participating in more than a dozen events in the past two years. “The open exchanges with residents at these Coffee With A Cop events help us stay in tune with the public and have been time well spent for everyone,” said Sheriff Ben Johnson. “We value the public’s feedback and want to hear what’s on their mind.”
McDonald’s is hosting a total of 22 Coffee With A Cop events throughout Central Florida on Wednesday. Volusia County Sheriff’s deputies will be participating in the following five events on Wednesday:
Daytona Beach
2994 W. International Speedway Blvd.
8 a.m.-10 a.m.
DeLand
102 E. International Speedway Blvd.
8 a.m.-10 a.m.
Deltona
2190 Howland Blvd.
7 a.m.-9 a.m.
Orange City
2406 Enterprise Road
8 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Orange City Police Department
Port Orange
1676 Taylor Road
8 a.m.-10 a.m.
Port Orange Police Department
The Orange City Police Department and Port Orange Police Department also will be participating in the events in their cities. In addition, the New Smyrna Beach Police Department will be on hand on Wednesday from 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at the McDonald’s on 1842 S.R. 44. Other events will be taking place on Wednesday in Belleview, Casselberry, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Dunnellon, Eustis, Lake Mary, Longwood, Ocala, Ocoee, Orlando and Winter Springs. And as always, the events promise coffee and casual conversation, with no agendas or speeches -- just a chance to ask questions, discuss issues of concern and get to know local officers. “We’re looking for a good turn-out on Wednesday to provide a forum to engage in a continuing conversation with the communities we serve,” said Sheriff Johnson.
