Maricopa police are hoping the community has a latte to chat about during their upcoming Coffee with A Cop on April 29.

Residents are invited to sip a cup of joe and speak with officers during the Saturday morning event at Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers. It is described as “an opportunity to have an open, informal conversation about local issues, ask questions and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community.”

“My hope is that people can come out and meet (Chief Mark Goodman) and voice anything that’s on their mind,” said Monica Williams, the department’s public information officer.

Mingling and interacting with the community is among the goals Goodman alluded to during his swearing-in ceremony in March and during an interview with InMaricopa.

“People feel like they can’t approach the chief of police. I don’t want to have that persona,” he said in March. “I want a persona where I’m friendly and people want to engage with me and with my officers.”

The department has hosted similar events off and on since at least 2018.

Details: Coffee with A Cop, Saturday, April 29, 9-10:30 a.m. Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers, 20350 N. John Wayne Pkwy., Suite 160. To RSVP or for more details, visit the department’s Facebook page.