It’s easy to forget the men and women behind the police uniform, since we see them as people who give us tickets.

As a way for students to be able to connect more with Cerritos College Campus Police, the department hosted a “Coffee with a Cop” event, on Wednesday, Sept. 30 in room BK 111 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Students and police officers mingled over a cup of coffee and pastries.

The idea for the event was brought to Chief Tom Gallivan’s attention by officers Jay Barron and Carlo Velasquez.

“It’s nice to have students come in, actually shake their hand and talk to them, it’s really pleasant,” Sargent Randy Albano said.

He added, that he wished there would be more of these events to bridge students and campus police.

“I think [the students] will be more comfortable if they see you as a person, if they need help with something,” he said.

Captain Hans Strand was also present, and engaged in conversation with Lissette Rodriguez, business major, about career options in the military and law enforcement.

“It’s that they’re aware that we’re there for them,” Strand said.

Professor Pauline Acosta, who teaches women’s health and gender studies, attended the event to get a better understanding of the role of campus police.

“We talk about safety, things like domestic violence and personal protection and I think their [campus police] experience will help illuminate some of the theoretical stuff we talk about,” she said.