ICSO hosts Coffee with a Cop

By Nico Payne, KSWT
Original article HERE

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office took part in Coffee with a Cop on Wednesday. The national program has grown with participation in all 50 states, even expanding to other countries.

Coffee with a Cop started in March of 2011 with an event hosted by the Hawthorne Police Department in Hawthorne, Calif.

Six years later, it has grown to all 50 states and other countries like Canada, Europe, Australia, and Africa.

“It’s not as a reference to a traffic stop or going to some sort of call for service, it’s more just a, get to know the community members on a neutral ground. Let’s them get a chance to meet the deputies that are patrolling their areas and ask any questions,” said Sergeant Clint Erro with Imperial County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Erro tells News 11 that this year’s turnout was better than last years, but they are still looking for more input from the community.

“Do you feel it’s important that law enforcement officials hold events like Coffee with a Cop?” asked News 11’s, Nico Payne.

“Yes, I feel it’s very important that we should get to know our officers and the people that come and served and protect us,” said Nancy Elmer, El Centro, Calif. resident.

“A lot of people have a lot of questions and they are here to answer them so I think it’s really important for them to host this and them to come,” said Jasmine Bueno with Sure Helpline Crisis Center.

This is the second year that Imperial County Sheriff’s Office participates in Coffee with a Cop and this year they hosted six meeting locations in Heber, Holtville, Niland, Salton City, Seeley, and Winterhaven.

“I know they see us driving around in the cars, but to actually get out and have a conversation, its real positive,” added Erro.

One resident who has lived in Seeley for over 30 years shared her support by showing up and expressed that others should too.

“Everybody should turn out and care about your town, care about who’s helping take care of it, they’re our protection, so I just thank every one of them,” said Juanita Shelton, Seeley resident.