Wareham Police Officers and local businesses are teaming up to bring the community together–one cup of coffee at a time.

First launched by California’s Hawthorne Police Department back in 2011, Coffee with a Cop is a national movement centered around connecting officers and the public they serve.

During these events, on duty officers take turns visiting local businesses and chatting with residents.

“It’s been a great opportunity for us to meet with people in an informal setting,” said Acting Police Chief John Walcek. “We really do care about answering the questions and concerns our community has.”

Wareham’s first Coffee with a Cop event took place at McDonald’s in early October. A second event followed at the Cumberland Farms on Main Street later that month. 

“We wanted to do something that would bring our officers and community members closer,” said Cumberland Farms manager Danielle Tester. “With everything going on in our town, I think it’s important that we get to know each other.”

In both instances, the businesses hosting the events were the ones to reach out to the police department.

“They were the ones that wanted to do this,” Walcek said. “And knowing that was a really great feeling. I’m very open to the idea of doing similar events in the future.”

Walcek added the department will continue its own public outreach initiatives by meeting with residents at Redwood Park and Agawam Village later this month.

“We’re always here to talk,” he said. “If anyone wants to come by the station, I’ll happily give them a tour.”