Wake up and smell the coffee with Bradenton police

The Bradenton Police Department will join in celebrating National Coffee With a Cop Day at two local Wawa locations from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday.

The community is welcome to grab a cup of coffee with local law enforcement and engage in conversation. According to a statement released by Bradenton police, the goal of the program is to “improve trust and build relationships — one cup of coffee at a time.”

The two participating Wawa locations are 701 First St. E. and 4455 State Road 64 E., both in Bradenton.

Police say they will also use the event to debut their new Armored Surveillance Vehicle (ASV) at the Wawa on First Street. The armored car is equipped with surveillance gear and is expected to be used to monitor areas with increased crime rates in order to deter criminals.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will also take part in the national outreach attempt Wednesday. They will be available at Popi’s Place at 3911 US 301 in Ellenton from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

This story was originally published October 2, 2017 at 1:28 PM with the headline "Wake up and smell the coffee with Bradenton police."