Police officers were breaking down barriers with community members Wednesday - all over a cup of coffee.

The Pelham Parkway McDonald's hosted Coffee With A Cop. Officer James Graham says people are hesitant at first but once they begin to engage in dialogue they start to open up about concerns in the neighborhood.

Residents say it's important to build a relationship with the police. They say the police are needed for their courage and what they do to help.

"So if we see something, like they say, say something," said resident Pilar Nazario.

There will be another Coffee With A Cop event on Thursday at the McDonald's on Perry Avenue.