Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) guests enjoyed a fresh cup of coffee and conversation with Los Angeles Airport Police and U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) officers as part of Coffee with a Cop, a national event where officers and community members come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss issues, build relationships, and drink coffee.
The majority of contacts officers have with airport guests happen during emergencies, emotional situations or travel processes and transactions and not always the most effective times for relationship building. Coffee with a Cop breaks down barriers and allows for a relaxed, one-on-one interaction.
“National Coffee with a Cop Day provides a wonderful opportunity for our airport police officers to build new and stronger ties with the traveling public and airport employees, in a relaxed and casual environment” said David Maggard, Los Angeles Airport police chief.
“With everything going on in the world, we sometimes lose the human connection between law enforcement and the community, but events like Coffee with a Cop allow one-on-one interaction, questions, and the sharing of ideas, and remind our guests and officers that we all have a role in keeping our airports safe and secure.”
“Coffee with a Cop is great way for the public to meet CBP employees on an informal basis and engage in informal, one-on-one conversations in an effort to increase communication and understanding,” said Loretta Sanchez, acting port director, Customs and Border Protection, LAX.
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 strive to make lasting connections with the communities they serve. 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.
