The South Bend Police Department and the group South Bend Neighborhoods will offer residents a third opportunity this year to discuss local issues with police officers at “Cops, Coffee, and Conversation” on Wednesday, August 26 from 1:30 to 7:00 pm at Curtis Products, 401 N. Bendix Drive.
The free program is designed for residents, officers, and city officials to drop in and to get to know each other in an informal setting. Hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks will be provided free of charge. The Urban Garden Farmers Market, which sells produce from backyard gardeners and small farmers, will also be on site.
At 2 pm, Mayor Pete Buttigieg will be on hand as the South Bend Police Department holds its afternoon roll call at Curtis Products.
“This is an opportunity to continue building and strengthening positive relationships with residents,” Division Chief Scott Ruszkowski says. “It opens another door of communication that helps officers better serve the community.”
Law enforcement officials say communicating clearly and effectively with residents plays an integral role in the success their daily operations, and they welcome these events to get to know residents better.
“These informal meetings have been highly successful,” says Melissa Stokely, a co-organizer of the event. “They break down barriers to communication and provide important opportunities for us to interact as community members with shared interests.”