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Across the nation Friday morning, police officers took time off to meet with members of the of the communities they have pledged to serve and protect duties in order to share a cup of coffee.

The Annual Coffee with a Cop event in Asbury Park was held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Interfaith Neighbors’ Kula Café, located at Springwood and Atkins avenues.

The unified police community relation observance gives police officers and residents an opportunity to discuss local issues and learn more about one another. It’s mission is to build trust relationships and improve trust, according to the national organizers.

“I came because it’s a good way to get connections with officers who are doing their job,” said 19-year-old Jamal Crumitey [shown in feature photo and above middle with Asbury Park Policeman Michael Casey]. “And I wanted to see how officers view the things going on, [i.e.] the shootings.”

Launched in Hawthorne, Calif. in 2011, the event became a national recognition this year after

Honolulu Police Department began hosting their first event last year, thereby making Coffee with a Cop an event in all 50 States.

“The community is so used to us responding to calls for service and they should feel free to come interact with us on a positive note,” Patrolman Michael Casey said. “Just like you and me having a cup of coffee, shooting the breeze, now the public knows Mike Casey is an approachable person.”

Aside from his patrol duties, Casey serves as the Police Department’s official spokesperson.

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