The Asheville Police Department (APD) is a proud participant in Coffee with a Cop, a program designed to strengthen trust and build relationships between officers and the community we serve over a cup of coffee. Community members have the opportunity to meet officers in a casual, friendly environment, with no speeches and no agendas — just conversation.

In spring 2022, post-COVID, APD restarted Coffee with a Cop at Starbucks, and the program has since grown to include various locations throughout Asheville. From local cafés to corporate coffee shops, this event reaches East, West, South and North Asheville, bringing officers directly into neighborhoods across the city.

Coffee with a Cop began as a nationwide initiative with a simple goal: bring police officers and neighbors together to discuss issues, ask questions and get to know the people behind the badge. Here in Asheville, the program has become an important way for officers to connect directly with residents, listen to concerns and work together to keep our city safe.

Each event gives neighbors and community members an opportunity to share what matters most. Topics often include neighborhood safety, traffic concerns, or just getting to know community resource officers, patrol officers and command staff leadership. These events ensure residents have their voices heard but also help officers connect and better understand the needs of the community they serve.

The Asheville Police Department invites all community members to join us at our upcoming Coffee with a Cop events. Whether you stop by to ask a question, share an idea or just enjoy a cup of coffee, your presence helps build a stronger, safer Asheville.

Another way to get involved? Local businesses interested in hosting can reach out to APD’s Community Engagement Division. 

Email: APDCommunityEngagement@ashevillenc.gov or call (828) 271-6145. 

Together we can strengthen our community and make a difference, one conversation at a time.