In an effort to give the public a better understanding of how they operate, the Evansville Police Department is giving residents an opportunity to learn more about their inner workings.

Since taking over as Chief in 2011, Billy Bolin has made it a priority to change the perception of the police department by the public; attempting to focus less on the law enforcement and more on the department's role in keeping the public safe when danger lurks. One such example is the department's recurring "Coffee with a Cop" meetings where officers sit at an area Donut Bank location and invite the public to stop by and chat about whatever is on their minds. Whether that's concerns about activity in their neighborhood making them uncomfortable, or discussing the day's sports news.

Another example is their upcoming "Traveling Citizen's Academy". Taking place on Tuesday nights from 6:00-8:00pm beginning June 25th, the seven week program is designed to give the community an inside look at some of the department's various units and create better understanding and communication between the police and the public through education.

Presentations will be made by the K-9 unit, S.W.A.T. Team, Domestic Violence Unit, among others.

The event is free to attend and will take place at Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church at 867 East Walnut Street in downtown Evansville. For more information, contact Debbie Baird with the EPD at 812-436-4948 or at dbaird@evansvillepolice.com.

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