Coffee with a Cop is returning to Whakatāne next week, giving residents the chance to meet local police officers in an informal setting.

Hosted by Whakatāne Neighbourhood Support, the event will be held at Robert Harris Café on The Strand on Tuesday, from 10am to 11am.

Organiser Jane Fox said the event provided an opportunity for members of the community to talk to police outside of emergency situations.

“Coffee with a Cop gives you the opportunity outside of a crisis situation to ask questions and discuss concerns and get to know the police officers in our community,” she said.

Community Constable Rob Jones and several other police officers will be attending.

Neighbourhood support is encouraging anyone interested to come along and take part.

“Everyone is invited to grab a free coffee and have a chat,” Fox said.

There would be no formal agenda for the morning, she said.

“No agenda, no speeches, just a chance to ask questions, share concerns and get to know the officers in our community.”