Meet Temecula CHP Officers Friday At Coffee With A Cop

TEMECULA, CA — If coffee and conversation are your thing, consider coming to chat with area CHP officers this Friday. You can find California Highway Patrol officers at Temecula's Starbucks on Temecula Parkway for the Coffee With A Cop meetup from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, at Starbucks located at 32240 Highway 79 South in Temecula.

"Temecula Area officers and community members can come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, have coffee, and build relationships," said CHP Officer Mike Lassig. Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the Department's work in southwest Riverside County.

CHP initiated the neighborhood meetups to build community and break down barriers in a relaxed, one-on-one environment.

"The majority of contact law enforcement has with the public happens during emergencies or emotional situations. According to the CHP program, those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel officers are unapproachable on the street.

Captain Jason Penner, Commander of the CHP, Temecula Area, spoke about the upcoming event.

"Coffee with a Cop provides a relaxing setting to open dialogue, helping to strengthen community relationships and improve mutual understanding between law enforcement and the public," Penner said. "Partnering with the community can make the highways and roadways safer for everyone."

Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services.

Similar events are being held nationwide as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing by improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a
time.