The Peachtree City Police Department is inviting the community to have a cup of coffee.

“Coffee With A Cop” is a way to open the lines of communication between residents and police and is planned for Monday, March 23, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Starbucks in the Peachtree East Shopping Center off GA Highway 54.

“We just want to sit down and enjoy some conversation with members of our community,” said Lt. Mark Brown, spokesman for the department. “This is a great opportunity for us to foster new relationships with our citizens.”

While officers are out on patrol they are busy and have little free time to relax and connect with people, Brown added. Department officials hope the event will help officers build on established relationships and help build trust between officers and citizens.

“Coffee With A Cop” is a national program that has been used in 47 states, and was brought to the attention of Peachtree City officials by McIntosh High School junior Sammie Christensen, who is also helping organize the local event. She saw a coffee klatch with officers while on vacation in Florida and thought it would be a great way for her peers to get to know officers back home.

If the event is successful, similar ones will be planned in the future.