Police Department Hosts Coffee With a Cop

MORENO VALLEY >> On July 20, officers from the Moreno Valley Police Department and community members came together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships and drink coffee. Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the Department's work in Moreno Valley neighborhoods. The event took place at 8 a.m. at Farmer Boys Restaurant at 12240 Pigeon Pass, Moreno Valley and was created to break down barriers and allow for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction in the community. Before the event took place, Police Chief Joel Ontiveros said in a press release that the department hopes community members will feel comfortable to ask questions, bring concerns or simply get to know the officers. "These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships," Ontiveros said in a press release. Coffee with a Cop is a national initiative supported by The United States Department of Justice and The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Similar events are being held across the county, as local police departments strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve. Additional meetings are held throughout the year and the next meeting is expected to be in late August. The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between police officers and community members one cup of coffee at a time. For more information about the event, please contact officer Matt Reilly at 951-486-6715 or mjreilly@riversidesheriff.org.