Coffee with a Cop draws a crowd at McDonald’s

By The Daily Independent
Original article HERE

McDonald’s patrons and law enforcement officers mingled Friday morning during Ridgecrest Police Department’s November “Coffee with a Cop” event.

Officers from RPD, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, China Lake Police Department and California Highway Patrol all took advantage to receive feedback and concerns from residents and overall interact with community members.

The event is just one of a few that the Ridgecrest Police Department have utilized over the last few months to connect with the community, according to Sgt. Justin Dampier.

“The Ridgecrest Police Department is looking to get out in the community more in a more informal setting, where we can talk to people and have a normal conversation,” Dampier said. “It’s non-confrontational and not dealing with a criminal manner, we’re just people being people. That way, if there is an issue or they have concerns, or something bad is going on, they might recognize us and feel more comfortable talking to us, especially the kids.”

In addition to the “Coffee with a Cop” events, RPD officers have over the last few months conducted door-to-door outreach visits, hanging door hangers with crime prevention tips and chatting with community members where possible.

“It’s going so good that we’re doing is giving little chunks of the town out to the officers, give them the door hangers, and they never get finished,” Dampier said. “Why? People because people are stopping and talking, engaging in conversation. They are not getting as far out because people do want to talk and know who their local officers are.”

The next “Coffee with a Cop” event is set for Dec. 10 at Calvary Chapel, 210 E. Springer Ave.