GS and Bulloch County officers spoke with students Monday afternoon over coffee to build interpersonal connections at the Williams Center.

What happened: The office of multicultural affairs presented the “Coffee with a Cop” event in order for students to join local police for coffee, conversations and connections.

Why it matters: “Some people get freaked out by us,” said Bulloch County Officer Larry Futch. “They see us on the streets and assume we’re bad people or we’re targeting y’all because you’re college kids.” 

• “We have these events to build police legitimacy,” said GS officer Charlie Bowen. “Our job is much more difficult if the people we’re policing don’t trust us.”