Rancho Mirage Police Invite Community to Informal Meet and Greet

On Thursday July 17, 2014, officers from the Rancho Mirage Police Department and community members will come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.

All community members are invited to attend. The event begins at 8:00 AM on July 17, 2014 at "Koffi" located at 71380 Highway 111 in the city of Rancho Mirage.

Coffee with a Cop provides a unique opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the Rancho Mirage Police Department's work in the community.

The majority of contacts law enforcement has with the public happen during emergencies, or emotional situations. Those situations are not always the most effective times for relationship building with the community, and some community members may feel that deputies are unapproachable on the street. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.

"We look forward to meeting with community members and hope they will feel comfortable asking questions, bringing concerns, or simply getting to know our deputies," said Captain Kevin Vest. "These interactions are the foundation of community partnerships."

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 across the county, as local police departments, sheriff's offices, and state police forces strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve.

The program aims to advance the practice of community policing through improving relationships between law enforcement and community members one cup of coffee at a time.