In an effort to improve the relationship between police officers and community members, the Oakdale Police Department will kick off its new “Coffee with a Cop” initiative soon, scheduled to start Thursday, Aug 18.

“The chief and officers will make themselves available,” said Oakdale Police Officer Mike Walsh. “It’s a casual meet-and-greet, nothing formal with an outline.”

Walsh said the event was proposed by Interim Police Chief Mike Harden after a successful Coffee with a Cop program in Modesto. During the get-togethers, there are no agendas and no speeches; just an opportunity for people to come and talk to officers over a cup of coffee.

“It's our opportunity to interact with the public, to see what’s on their mind, to see what’s important to them and their community,” Walsh said.

Coffee with a Cop is a popular program throughout the nation giving the public an opportunity to talk with local law enforcement in a relaxed atmosphere. The key to its growing success is that it opens the door for interactions outside of the crisis situations that typically bring law enforcement officers and community members together.

The department’s first “Coffee with a Cop” is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at McDonald’s, 1322 E. F St.

The following Thursday, Aug. 25, the program is set for Cahoots Corner Café at 110 E. F St.

Walsh said there will be future dates and locations announced with the planned schedule to be two meetings every other month.