Farmington Police Department invites the public to enjoy a taco from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, at two Taco Bell locations, 2100 W. Main St., and 4601 E. Main St.

Community members are encouraged to stop by the Taco with a Cop event to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know officers in their neighborhoods.

Both Taco Bell locations are donating coupons to give participants a free taco and small drink.

Police information officer Shanice Gonzales said the event is a spinoff of Coffee with a Cop, which got a start in Hawthorne, California, in 2011. Adopted in 2016 by FPD, they have partnered with local businesses for quarterly open forums. In December 2022, they held Pop with a Cop, hosted by Pop Drinks.

Gonzales said their District Coordinator Unit hosts these events with the full unit in attendance. Other officers and units are encouraged to participate.

The mission of the events is to break down barriers between police officers and residents. It creates an opportunity for the community and police officers to meet in a neutral space to discuss community issues and build relationships.

dalbright@durangoherald.com