Law enforcement across the region held special breakfast meetings with residents on Wednesday, Oct. 1, for the annual “Coffee With a Cop.”
The event aims to give communities an opportunity to get to know the members of their local police departments and sheriff’s offices. It gives residents a chance to discuss issues with law enforcement crime in their neighborhoods or concerns about department policies which impact residents.

Members of the Taney County Sheriff’s Office met citizens at the McDonald’s on Main Street in Branson.
Photo by Jason Wert
Branson police went to three locations in town: McDonald’s on Main Street, Whataburger and 7Brew Coffee.
“We were very pleased with the turnout today,” Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt told Branson Tri-Lakes News. “We had good turnout at all three locations. I got to McDonald’s and we actually had a good crowd still going there. We had a lot of Taney County Sheriff’s deputies that joined us as well. So that was kind of cool to see them out there with us.”
Schmitt said his officers also enjoyed the day.
“I got positive feedback from all my officers,” he said. “They look forward to doing this. I want to thank the three establishments that hosted us. They take really good care of us and it’s a good opportunity to kind of just decompress for a bit and interact with the community.”
Jeff Hebble, operator of 7Brew, told Branson Tri-Lakes News he was happy to have the department return for a second year.
“Last year we had great fun and I’m glad we could do it again,” he said. “It’s always a fun time with the officers here and we’re glad we can help them engage in a positive way with the community.”