The Rochester Police Department will offer free coffee and informal conversation with officers on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Rochester Brunch House, 301 Walnut in downtown Rochester.

The drop-in event runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. There will be no agenda and no speeches.

Residents can also meet the department's two K-9s: Leo, a golden retriever who serves as RPD's comfort dog, and Maverick, a black German Shepherd trained in narcotics detection. The department says kids are welcome to come say hello to both dogs.

Lt. Keith Harper, a 23-year RPD veteran, handles Leo. The department reinstated its Comfort Dog Program and acquired Leo as part of a broader community outreach push detailed in its 2025 Annual Report. The report separately lists Sgt. Michael Knight as holding K-9 handler certification, though it does not specify which dog he is certified to handle.

The event is one of several community programs RPD runs under Chief George T. Rouhib Jr. Others include the Co-Response Community Outreach Program, known as CORE, Hope Not Handcuffs, the S.A.V.E.S Project, and an annual Open House. The department's Citizens Academy was not held in 2025 due to a lack of interest, according to the annual report. Informal events like Coffee with a Cop may help fill that gap.

Rochester was recognized as one of Michigan's safest cities, according to the report. The department handled 12,008 calls for service in 2025, down from 14,324 in 2023. Total arrests also fell during that period, from 334 to 243.

The event flyer describes the format as simply coffee and conversation with the officers who serve your neighborhood, with coffee provided at no charge to attendees.

Residents with non-emergency questions can reach RPD at 248-651-9621.