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Coffee Connects Cops, Community

San Marino Police Department holds first ever ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event

San Marino Resident Bob Houston and Officer Jeremy Bestpitch enjoy some early morning conversation. Kev Kurdoghlian Photo
San Marino Resident Bob Houston and Officer Jeremy Bestpitch enjoy some early morning conversation. Kev Kurdoghlian Photo

San Marino Police officers connected with the community at their first ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event at the Starbucks across from City Hall. Seven police officers – including Chief John Incontro – were present at seven in the morning on Friday, June 24 to greet San Marino residents.

Sgt. Candice Torres, who organized the event, said the gathering was “a chance for residents to just come out and meet, chat, ask questions, or voice concerns with their local police officers over a cup of coffee.”

“Typically, police officers find their interaction with residents when they are reporting a crime or some other need for police service,” said Sgt. Torres. “We would like to change that.”

Residents William Hasbun and Greg Burdick, homeowners on Ramiro Road, spoke to Lt. Aaron Blondè and Chief Incontro about a recent burglary that took place at a vacant property on their street.

“If you see a vacant lot, report it,” said Lt. Blondè, who recommended installing security cameras that can be accessed via a smartphone.

About two dozen people engaged in conversation with SMPD officers during the one-hour event. Sgt. Torres thought the gathering was “the best way to build trust and mutual goals for [the] community.”

She said the San Marino Police Department plans to host a few ‘Coffee with a Cop’ events throughout the year to accommodate all residents.

During the event, officers also sold pink San Marino Police Department patches to raise money for breast cancer research. To read more about the department’s charitable effort, check out page A-19 in our special 4th of July section.

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