Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette Houghton’s Dunkin’ Donuts will sponsor Coffee with a Cop Friday morning.

HOUGHTON – Houghton City Police is inviting the public to Coffee with a Cop, at Dunkin’ Donuts, located at 501 Memorial Drive, in Houghton. The event is scheduled from 8-10 a.m. Friday.

Houghton City Police Lieutenant Nick Roberts said he, along with law enforcement from other local agencies, will be present to meet and greet the public, answer any questions, and just generally chat. Roberts said this allows the public a chance to talk, while they (police) in turn get to know the community.

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative designed to bring law enforcement officers and community members together in a relaxed, informal environment to discuss issues, ask questions, and build relationships. By removing the barriers of an emergency call, the program allows citizens to connect with officers as individuals over a cup of coffee

The program started in 2011 with the Hawthorne, California Police Department and has spread to thousands of communities nationwide.

Roberts said Friday’s event is the first Coffee With a Cop his department has organized.

“It will be an annual event for us,” he said. “People can come in and just meet and greet with local police officers,” said Roberts, “so they can meet the people who are protecting them.”