"Coffee with a Cop" to be hosted by Michigan State Police

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- Law enforcement from the Baroda Lake Township Police Department, Berrien County Sheriff's Department, and Michigan State Police will gather over a cup of joe on Friday to build relationships and talk through community issues with the residents they serve.

Community members can stop by Coffee with a Cop between 8 and10 a.m. on Friday to chat with police. The event is being held at The Local, located at 8952 1st St. in Baroda.

The event will let residents learn more about what police officers do in their communities each day. Michigan State Police say that most interactions between community members and police involve emergency situations, so it's difficult to form relationships. Coffee with a Cop allows for connection in a more relaxed space. 

"We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our troopers," said Michigan State Police Trooper, Holly Higgs. "These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships."