EPPD holds ‘Coffee with a Cop’ events to overcome negative perceptions some may have

EL PASO, Texas - The El Paso Police Department is hosting numerous Coffee with a Cop events to help unite the force and the community. Jeremiah Casillas, who is a police officer for EPPD told ABC-7: "We actually have had this event as an opportunity to go ahead and meet with the people. To create a higher sense of inclusiveness with the community, and to address any concerns of issues that they may have."

The EPPD is aware of the negative perception some have of the police after the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Eric Garner.

Casillas said, "there are some concerns with the public, as far as their perceptions of us, and we're actually here to change their perspectives - to actually let the public know we're here to help them in any way that we can."

The police department has had both negative and positive responses at their Coffee with a Cop events.

"We've had different responses, but for the most part the citizens do seem to be very appreciative of our services, and of course, we want to relay and convey the information that we are here for them... to change the negative perspective that have (been) conveyed," Casillas explained.

The EPPD tries to hold the Coffee with a Cop community events as often as possible. The next community event will be on Dec. 20 from 9-11 a.m. at 3100 Mesa.