Calexico PD gather for raspados
CALEXICO — Iancarlo Perez Tejada may be a little too young to know what the future holds for him, but after a chance and friendly encounter on Monday with Calexico Police Department officers, the young Heber resident said a law enforcement career may be a possibility.
“Being a police [officer] is cool,” Iancarlo said. Iancarlo, along with his mother, Martha Jimenez, were among the dozens of community members who had the opportunity Monday to meet and speak with Calexico officers at Raspados Cuchis during the department’s first-ever “Raspados with a Cop” event.
The event coincided with the national Coffee with a Cop movement held annually in the fall that aims to open lines of communication between communities and law enforcement agencies to address crime and public safety concerns.
The Calexico PD had hosted Coffee with a Cop events in the past, but Monday’s gathering marked the first time it had invited the community to enjoy a raspado with its officers and supervisors.
The department’s deployment of raspados was both a tribute to the city’s identity as a border town steeped in Mexican culture, as well as a nod to the well-known phrase “Only in Calexico,” said Sgt. Victor Legaspi.
“We have an open door policy,” Legaspi said. “It’s the same concept as inviting the community over to talk to the police.”
Patrons also had the opportunity to fill out a written survey that asked a series of questions about the event, the department, as well as what it can do to improve. The department has been using the survey forms for the past year and a half.
Some of the forms filled out on Monday contained references to the officers’ friendliness and professionalism, or took a jab at city politics, as well as expressed praise for the gathering.
“I liked the fact that the community can see cops as regular civilians,” one such anonymous comment stated.
During the early afternoon, the business was mostly populated by youth. Officers could be seen approaching the young patrons to strike up conversations as well as inviting them to fill out the available survey.
As one of the department’s most recent hires, Monday’s event represented the first time that Officer Michael Gonzalez had the opportunity to take part in such an innovative — and highly instructive — gathering.
For his part, Gonzalez said that he was looking forward to answering questions any youth might have about a career in law enforcement as well as some of the concerns they may have about potential criminal activity on school campuses.
“It’s a great way for the community and law enforcement to connect a little better, since tensions are so high right now,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez said his encounters with law enforcement officials had always been positive during his youth, and that as a 13-year-old, he joined the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Explorers program.
“I’ve always had that drive to help people who can’t help themselves,” said Gonzalez, who grew up in El Centro.
Raspados Cuchis owner Magdalena Guerrero said that she considered it an honor to be asked by the Police Department to host its original event, and that its focus on reaching youth was especially commendable.
“I think it’s a good idea to pay close attention to our youth,” Guerrero said in Spanish.
She also said that she has been heartened as of late by developments within the department that have contributed to its improved reputation within the community.
“There’s been good news for the department lately,” Guerrero said. “I hope they continue to host these events.”