By Kashalah Robinson |ContributorStudents, faculty and staff enjoyed warm drinks while getting informed by the Augusta University Police Department on a cold January morning.With the weather outside a blistering 36 degrees, the Augusta University Police Department provided warmth to students with free coffee and hot chocolate on Jan. 30 in the Jaguar Student Activity Center Breezeway. The monthly Coffee with a Cop kicked off with several officers in attendance. The event was created to allow a comfortable venue for students, faculty and staff a chance to talk to law enforcement with ease.“We want students and staff to know that we’re approachable,” said Police Lt. Sam Sherrill. “They can stop us at any time to ask us questions. I want to create a positive image of our department on this campus.”At the event, the law enforcement officers in attendance also gives students and faculty the chance to learn about some of the free programs offered to students and faculty at Augusta University and to the public around the CSRA.“The Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) is a 12-hour course, three four-hour programs, available to women only,” Sherrill said. “It’s a great thing to have as far as the risk reduction, situational awareness and the techniques we provide.”
Captain Ted McNeal also wants students to know about Rave Guardian, a free app available on iOS and Android that connects with the police department and helps them maintain the safety of student, staff and faculty."Rave Guardian is the best way to improve your personal safety by leveraging those you trust to be your own private safety network," McNeal said. "Rave Guardian provides rapid and proactive communication with your organization. Guardian is completely configured by the organization(s) you are associated with to make connecting in times of crisis or just plain confusion simple and easy."For more information on the Rape Aggregation Defense visit this link: Rape Aggregation Defence.Rave Guardian is available on iOS and Android: Rave Guardian iOS & Google Play.For more information about Coffee with a Cop and safety programs being offered, contact Sam Sherrill or Ted McNeal or call 706-667-4114. 
Contact Kashalah Robinson at kasrobinson@augusta.edu