Cops and Coffee: Pasadena Police Brew Up Improved Community Relations

In an era when police-community relations are often strained, officers of the Pasadena Police Department are taking a simple but potentially powerful step: sitting down for a cup of coffee with local residents.

This Wednesday, October 2, officers will trade their patrol cars for a table at a local Target store, inviting community members to join them for free coffee and conversation.

The event, part of National Coffee with a Cop Day, aims to break down barriers between police and the public in a casual, non-threatening environment.

The gathering, scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., will take place at Target, 3121 East Colorado Boulevard., on the east side of town.

Residents are invited to meet local officers, discuss public safety concerns, and enjoy complimentary coffee while supplies last.

Coffee with a Cop is a national program with no agenda or speeches. The events provide an informal opportunity to ask questions, discuss public safety concerns, and get to know the officers and neighbors in the community.

The Pasadena Police Department actively engages with the community through various outreach programs. These include an annual Open House, a Community Police Academy, the Curbside Coffee and Chat initiative launched in 2013, and an Active Shooter Presentation available upon request.

Supporting these efforts is the Pasadena Police Foundation, established in 1993. With the motto “Helping Cops Give Kids Hope,” the Foundation assists with planning and implementing programs for the department, including the Junior Public Safety Academy, Kids Safety Academy, and Youth Explorer Program.

Businesses interested in hosting future Coffee with a Cop events can contact Susana Porras at the Pasadena Police Department. For more information about the upcoming event, residents can visit pasadenapd.org or email Susana Porras at susana@pasadenapd.org.