PARIS — Members of the Paris Police Department enjoyed coffee and doughnuts with residents of the Maine Veterans’ Home Thursday, part of the national Coffee with a Cop effort.

Interim Police Chief Jeffrey Lange said he was pleased with the turnout, with about 30 veterans visiting with Paris police throughout the morning.

According to Officer Raymond Parr, the point of the national Coffee with a Cop program is for police to better connect with the public.

Other officers agree that the events allow for good interaction. However, they feel it would be nice to see more of the general public attend, as well as residents of the Veterans Home.

The program began in 2011 in California as a way for community members and law enforcement “to discuss issues and learn more about each other,” according to Coffee with a Cop’s website. And to “improve trust and build relationships — one cup of coffee at a time.”

Paris police have participated in the program for two years now and plan to continue. It is one of a number of Maine police departments that schedule regular coffee klatches, including Westbrook, Brewer, Bangor, South Portland, Lincoln, Oakland, Lewiston and Auburn.

capplegarth@sunmediagroup.net