BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) Bakersfield locals had a chance to meet California Highway Patrol officers in a more relaxed setting Tuesday as CHP Bakersfield hosted a Coffee with a Cop event.
The gathering gave community members an opportunity to sit down with officers over coffee, ask questions and get to know the people behind the badge.
“It’s all about, you know, giving the community a chance to come out here and meet with us today and sip on a cup of coffee and ask us any questions that they want regarding the work that CHP is doing,” said Jorge Toro, CHP Bakersfield public information officer.
CHP Bakersfield hosts “Coffee with a Cop” to connect with community over coffee (KBAK/KBFX)
Retired CHP Bakersfield officer Billy Camps was in attendance and said events like this help bridge a gap that often exists between officers and the public.
“Otherwise they don’t have any contact other than when you’re at an accident, you get a ticket or you’re at a tragic incident or accident or something like that.
They don’t really talk with the officer. They don’t know who they really are,” Camps said.
Some of the conversations were straightforward, including questions about traffic laws and legal driving speeds.
Toro said kids also attended, with officers handing out stickers and letting them take photos with department motorcycles.
CHP Bakersfield hosts “Coffee with a Cop” to connect with community over coffee (KBAK/KBFX)
“You know, ‘Hey how fast can I actually go when I’m speeding.’ You pretty much get it all. We’ve also had a couple kids come in as well so we’re handing out stickers. They’re taking pictures by our motorcycles as well,” Toro said.
For Bakersfield local, Saul Castaneda, the event was also a chance to build relationships that could help him pursue a future in law enforcement.
CHP Bakersfield hosts “Coffee with a Cop” to connect with community over coffee (KBAK/KBFX)
“You know just when I become older, you know, I have all these connections with the officers, and I can say I knew Officer Torro I knew Officer Nuñez. I knew these guys they recommended me to be an officer and I want to get my career for that path,” Castaneda said.