Want to chat with your local cops? You can enjoy a cup of coffee with them and ask questions at "Coffee With A Cop," a recurring event that allows community members to get to know members of the Manhattan Beach Police Department.

The latest "Coffee With A Cop" will be held on Wednesday, October 3, from 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. at McDonald's, 1203 Artesia Blvd., in Manhattan Beach. No appointment is necessary; just drop by at any time during the time window.

Coffee with a Cop is a national community-based program designed to bring residents and police officers together for a casual meet-and-greet. Representatives from various divisions including police officers, traffic officers, and detectives will be on hand to answer residents' questions or just to chat.

The goal of the event is to provide the Manhattan Beach community with the opportunity to have their voices heard, meet members of their police department, form partnerships to address concerns, and problem-solve. For more information about Coffee With A Cop, contact Officer Kristie Colombo at 310-802-5184, or at [email protected].

Looking for more opportunities to interact with and support the MBPD?

First, MBPD is seeking community input in the development of a new strategic plan for 2019-2020. The strategic plan will serve as a road map for the next two years to guide MBPD in its delivery of service to Manhattan Beach. To that end, MBPD is hosting a community workshop at the Manhattan Beach Police Department on Thursday, October 4 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. to provide an update on the progress of its current strategic plan (which expires December 31, 2018) and gather input regarding the new one. Those who wish to share their thoughts but cannot attend the workshop are asked to email comments to [email protected].

Second, MBPD utilizes a variety of volunteer teams, including Police Support Volunteers (PSV), Victim Assistance Volunteers (VAT), Neighborhood Watch Volunteers, and Police Explorer Volunteers. To learn more about MBPD volunteer programs or to apply to become a volunteer, please call Officer Kristie Colombo at (310) 802-5184 or Sergeant Tim Zins at (310) 802-5186.