The Associated Student Organization partnered with the Pierce College Sheriff’s Department to present “Coffee with a Cop” on May 14, on the Mall. Attendees were offered complimentary coffee, pan dulce and donuts while interacting with LA County Sheriff’s deputies, as well as representatives from LAPD.
Dean of Student Engagement Juan Carlos Astorga and Deputy Isaac Jorge invited the campus community to interact with safety officers to get to know them and learn about available opportunities. The district has a contract with the Sheriff’s Department to provide security for the campus.
“Each individual officer has their own inspiring story to share. It isn’t just that they represent a badge,” Astorga said.
Recruitment also took place during the event if attendees are interested in the field with fellow officers.
“We are here 24 hours a day on campus,” Jorge said. “It’s nice when people come and say hi to us.”
Captain Israel Renteria, who also participated in the event, emphasized that campus escorts are available to anyone who needs assistance getting to their destination safely. He also reassured students, particularly those who are undocumented, that they should not hesitate to report any crimes, as their immigration status will not be questioned during the process.
“My parents retained amnesty in 1974.” Renteria said. “I know the fear of deportation, we are here to help keep our students safe and we don’t enforce any federal laws.”
During the event, some students opposed the presence of law enforcement on campus, such as President of the club Students for Mutual Aid and Liberation (SMAL) Wyatt Waters and Luna Choi.
“We don’t want cops on campus, we don’t feel comfortable having them,” Waters said. “We think they pose a threat to students and don’t help.”
Choi emphasized the feeling of discomfort people may face with law enforcement on campus.
“Police officers are negative in our community.” Choi said. “They are better ways to keep our community safe and secure and provide relief efforts.”
However, Renteria said the deputies aspire to be approachable and integral to the community college.
“We are not robots.” Renteria said. “We have feelings, we see a lot of things and we miss a lot of holidays, birthdays and anniversaries to keep the college community safe.”
Correction: This article has been updated to correct the misspellings of the names of Isaac Jorge and Israel Renteria.
