image from video courtesy Hawaii Police Dept.

(BIVN) – Hawaii residents had a chance to enjoy coffee with a cop at different cafes around the island Wednesday.

October 4 is “National Coffee with a Cop Day.” The event provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the department’s work in the community.

Officer Paul Mangus was at the Hilo Starbucks at Prince Kuhio Plaza. “It gives the public an opportunity to know the person behind the badge,” Mangus said in a police video release. “Because we’re also fathers, mothers, coaches, pastors. We’re part of this community. It gets the public a chance to get to know the person as a human being than just a person with a badge and a gun.”

According to police, the mission of “Coffee with a Cop” is to break down barriers between police officers and the citizens they serve by removing agendas and allowing opportunities to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood.