Coffee with cops at mall

On March 20th the Arcadia Police Department hosted its second “Coffee with a Cop” at Westfield Santa Anita. The first one, held at the McDonald’s on Foothill in December, was such a success that APD’s Community Outreach Office decided to try to hold these events quarterly.

Glenn Oyoung

At March’s event several officers, detectives, and command staff represented APD. There were also pilots from the Foothill Air Support Team (FAST), including one APD officer who is cross training with Pasadena PD.

The events, by design, have been opportunities for members of the community to interact with police officers. Residents asked questions, raised concerns, and thanked APD for their hard work. Also in attendance were candidates Burton Brink and Sho Tay. Tay went on to win a seat on council in the April 8th election.

Community Services Officer Mike Vercillo, who heads up the Community Outreach Office, confirmed that the “Coffee with a Cop” format has been so successful that “the APD Command Staff wishes for the Police Department to sponsor this event every quarter.”

The next event is scheduled for Thursday, June 12 from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m at the Coco’s Restaurant on Baldwin Avenue at Camino Real.

— By Glenn Oyoung Glenn Oyoung, a founder of turn3 Creative marketing and merchandising services, lives in Arcadia with his wife, two daughters, and three dogs.