Mayor Tom Barrett and the Milwaukee Police Department, in partnership with Children’s Community Health Plan and McDonald’s Restaurants, are hosting Coffee with a Cop neighborhood events throughout the City this summer. The Mayor, Milwaukee Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton and Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn will attend this week’s community forum on Thursday, July 20, from 4:00-6:00 PM at McDonald’s Restaurant located at 4925 W. Hampton Avenue.

Coffee with a Cop is a national law enforcement program that brings police officers and the community members they serve together—over coffee—to discuss community topics, learn more about each other and build relationships in an informal, positive environment.

“I want our Milwaukee Police officers and residents to respect one another and foster positive relationships,” Mayor Barrett said. “Our Coffee with a Cop neighborhood events are part of our ongoing efforts to engage community members. I encourage all to show up, have a cup of coffee, and talk with the men and women who serve our City on how to build a stronger Milwaukee for all.”

Coffee with a Cop sessions provide community residents the opportunity to sit down with officers, ask questions and share what’s on their mind. Community members and police officers get to know each other and discover mutual goals for their community.

“MPD has participated in the nationally recognized ‘Coffee with a Cop’ program for several years. We are grateful to local businesses like McDonald’s for their support of this venture. The program reinforces our goal of building relationships with residents across Milwaukee,” Milwaukee Police Chief Flynn said.

“Children’s Community Health Plan is proud to support Coffee with a Cop. We applaud the Milwaukee Police Department’s efforts to engage the community and build a stronger relationship with its residents,” said Mark Rakowski, vice president of Children’s Community Health Plan.

McDonald’s is one of many locations for these events across the country. The restaurant is simply a host site with no agenda or speakers, but rather an opportunity to connect over a free small McCafe hot coffee that is provided to all attendees.

“McDonald’s is pleased to be a part of this incredible program involving local law enforcement and people in our great community,” says Robert Pyles, McDonald’s owner-operator. “Our restaurants are friendly meeting places for everyone in the area, so it felt like a natural fit to host these important conversations through Coffee with a Cop.”

Remaining Coffee with a Cop Events:

• July 20, 2017, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. – McDonald’s Location: 4925 W. Hampton Avenue
• August 10, 2017, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. – McDonald’s Location: 1614 E. North Avenue
• August 24, 2017, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. – McDonald’s Location: 920 W. North Avenue