CLEARLAKE, Calif. – On Thursday, Nov. 3, officers from the Clearlake Police Department and business owner and managers from businesses on Lakeshore Drive will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss issues effecting business, build relationships and drink coffee.

The “Coffee with A Cop” event will begin at 11 a.m. at the Best Western El Grande Inn, located at 15135 Lakeshore Drive.

All business owners and managers from businesses on Lakeshore Drive are invited to attend.

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies or emotional situations.

Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that officers are unapproachable on the street.

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

Coffee with A Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

There will be Coffee with a Cop events held in the future to address issues affecting businesses, which are not located on Lakeshore Drive, police said.

For more information about the Nov. 3 event, contact Officer Mark Harden at 707-994-8251 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .