
Jie Li
Participants receive coffee and Mexican sweet bread at the Coffee with a Cop event on Feb. 5 in the Main Quad.
The Foothill-De Anza Police Department hosted Coffee with a Cop on Feb. 5 in the Main Quad. Community members talked to police officers while enjoying free coffee and Mexican sweet bread. The relaxed atmosphere fostered open discussion on issues of mutual concern, allowing both sides to share ideas and solve problems.
This event is held twice a year in the fall and winter quarters. Officers handed out items and engaged with students.
During the spring and summer quarters, this event will be changed to “Boba or Pop with a Cop,” offering boba tea or soda to attract attendees.

“The idea is simple: get people and police officers to talk,” said Foothill-De Anza police chief Daniel Acosta. “We need to hear their concerns, what’s working, what’s not, and what we might be missing.”
Acosta recalled one student he met at the event, who had never talked to a police officer because he was scared. However, he spoke with Acosta for nearly 20 minutes.
These interactions intend to dispel misconceptions about law enforcement, particularly on sensitive issues like immigration.
“We don’t ask about immigration status, whether someone is a victim or a suspect. Our job is to help, and if we can’t, we’ll connect them to someone who can,” Acosta said.
“Events like these, though small, are crucial for building relationships over time,” said Joy Garza, the department’s director of training and community relations.
“They help students and staff feel comfortable approaching us, whether it’s to ask a question or report a concern,” Garza said.
According to Acosta, the event wasn’t just about building trust; it was also an opportunity for the police to learn from the community.
Acosta said community feedback has prompted the police department to address issues they might have otherwise overlooked.
“I recently spoke with Tina Lockwood, (who oversees) furniture, fixtures and equipment on campus. She pointed out an exempting area that I wasn’t aware of,” Acosta said. “Now, we’re scheduling a tour next week so our team can stay updated. These small insights help us do our jobs better.”

For Lakshya Saini, 18, computer science major, the event enhanced his sense of security on campus.
“Seeing the police here, working to create a safe environment, makes me feel at home,” Saini said. “I think their role is especially important for students who might face bullying or need help late at night.”
Saini also said that while one event alone can’t change perceptions, the police department’s continued efforts have had a positive impact.
“We’re always looking for new ways to engage the community,” Garza said. “Whether it’s through coffee, boba tea or other creative ideas, our goal is to make sure people know we’re here to serve and protect.”
By fostering open dialogue and addressing community concerns, the police department aims to create an environment where students and staff feel supported and secure.
“We want students to focus on their studies and their lives, not worry about safety,” Acosta said. “But if something does happen, we want them to know we’re here to help.”
In addition, the Foothill-De Anza Police Department offers a variety of free events such as Know Your Rights: Immigration, Run. Hide. Defend and a Police & Community Forum.
According to Garza and Acosta, good effective communication and interaction with community members leads to a better community in the future.
“It’s a chance for people to see that behind the uniform, we’re just human beings with families, hobbies and the same struggles as everyone else,” Acosta said.