Next Tuesday, May 9 you have the chance with the annual Coffee with a Cop across a number of locations in the South Coast Police District.

Locally in the Shoalhaven events will be held at -

Kangaroo Valley -  Broughton Park, between tennis and netball courts between 9.15am-10.15am.

Sanctuary Point - Straight to the Point Cafe, 191 Kerry Street, Sanctuary Point between 10am-11am.

Culburra Beach- Habitual Ritual, 155 King Edward Drive, Culburra between 10am-11am.

Nowra - Jellybean Park, Egans Lane Nowra between 10am-11am.

Ulladulla - Civic Centre, Sand bar Cafe, 81B Princes Hwy Ulladulla 10am-11am.

Read more: Shoalhaven Coffee with a Cop 2017

The events are essentially designed for local people to speak with local police about any issues or concerns they may have in their community.

Or you might just want to say hi.

It’s a chance for community members to come together with police in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.

All community members are invited to attend.

South Coast Crime Prevention Officer, Senior Constable Anthony Jory said Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the police work in Shoalhaven neighbourhoods.

“General duties officers as well as police officers specialising in domestic violence, youth liaison, traffic and crime prevention will be attending,” he said.

District Inspectors will also be available.

“The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies, or emotional situations,” Snr Const Jory said.

“Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community.

“Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

“We hope that community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns, or simply get to know our officers.”

Other benefits of the Coffee with a Cop events is to help police identify the large number of communities in the area and reinforce the ease of speaking to police, reporting matters to police, realising that police are community members also – but with policing responsibility.

The Coffee with a Cop concept originated in Hawthorne, California, USA, in 2011 by Sergeant Chris Cognac.

The concept has been picked up and promoted by police throughout the world.

It has received incredible feedback from members of the local community who appreciate the ability to have a one-on-one conversation with their local law enforcement agency without any formalities.