Got Questions for UK Police? Get Answers at Coffee With a Cop Nov. 13
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2019) — The beginning of a relationship often starts by having a common experience. Sharing a cup of coffee with someone has the ability to deepen relationships, bring unity to disparate groups and transcend boundaries.
What better way to strengthen unity between members of the community and police than through conversation and coffee?
University of Kentucky Police Department will host Coffee with a Cop beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at Starbucks in the Gatton Student Center. Officers of all ranks will be present to answer questions, hear concerns or simply get to know members of the UK community over a cup of coffee.
One of the best ways law enforcement agencies can prevent crime, deter violence and maintain criminal justice is by having a strong relationship with its community. Coffee with a Cop is an opportunity to break down barriers, build trust and have a conversation with police outside of a crisis situation.
“I look forward to these informal discussions in a relaxed environment to learn from our community how UK Police can better serve them,” said UKPD Chief Joe Monroe.
Therapy K-9 Hudson and his handler Officer Michael Culver will also be in attendance.
“Hudson is definitely looking forward to his first Coffee with a Cop experience," Culver said. "He can’t wait to discuss hot topics with old friends and make some new friends along the way.”
Last year, a diverse group of individuals attended the Coffee with a Cop event including members of the LGBTQ* community and the armed forces. Several attendees already had established relationships with UKPD, while others met officers for the first time.
“We had a great turn out last year,” said Community Services Senior Officer Alan Saylor. “Coffee and pastries were a conduit to having a conversation, and I had a great time speaking to students about everything from sports to answering personal questions.”
For more information about the safety resources offered by the University of Kentucky Police Department, please visit www.uky.edu/police or follow them on social media at @UKPolice on Twitter, @UKPoliceDepartment on Facebook or @UKPD on Instagram.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.