SVPD officers are showing up—in schools, at events and in emergencies—to help, listen and protect
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — There’s no podium. No fanfare. Just representatives from the Simi Valley Police Department—some in uniform, some not—sharing a morning coffee with neighbors from all walks of life.
At 9 a.m., members of the Simi Valley Police Department will gather at Meera: Coffee & Plants—1555 Simi Town Center Way, Suite 850—for another round of “Coffee with a Cop.”
Chief Steve Shorts will be there.
He said Coffee with a Cop gives officers, detectives and other SVPD employees the opportunity to meet residents face to face—without sirens, urgency or incident reports. “It’s a chance for the community to have conversations with our folks in a casual environment,” Shorts said.
He explained that these types of gatherings let officers connect with people before there’s a problem. Often, the first time someone interacts with police is during a stressful or urgent situation. Events like this give both sides a chance to talk and get to know each other in a friendly setting—when no one is in crisis.
Just days earlier, SVPD was out at the May 3 Street Fair, also held at the Town Center. Officers mingled with community members, met with local business owners and employees, and brought along their department mascot, Chase—offering photos and fist bumps to kids and grown-ups alike. It was another reminder that SVPD is woven into the fabric of the city, showing up not just in emergencies but in everyday community life.
That same morning, SVPD officers and Chief Shorts also participated in Ride for the Blue, an annual event honoring law enforcement and the memory of Sgt. Ron Helus, the Ventura County sheriff’s sergeant who was killed while confronting the gunman during the 2018 Borderline shooting. The ride began right at the Simi Valley Police Station and brought together cyclists, families and first responders for a morning of shared purpose and pride.
And yet, officers are always on duty. Just hours after the ride and the Street Fair, SVPD was dispatched to a residential neighborhood where a small plane crashed, taking two lives, a family pet and damaging homes. Officers quickly secured the area and managed traffic while fire and federal officials took over the investigation. Their steady presence helped bring structure and support to a deeply painful scene.
Simi Valley PD has long emphasized community outreach. It’s part of their approach, from events like Coffee with a Cop to a consistent presence in schools and on the streets. School resource officers work on local campuses to build trust with students and staff. A dedicated homeless liaison officer works closely with unhoused residents and local service providers to offer both protection and solutions.
To keep up with community needs and replace retiring officers, the department is currently hiring police officers—seeking individuals who are ready to serve with integrity, compassion and commitment. Those who join the force aren’t just signing up for a job—they’re stepping into a community role that matters.
The department also uses these community events to educate. Officers have been raising awareness about the difference between e-bikes and e-motorcycles, a growing safety concern as more young riders hit the roads. Coffee with a Cop gives them a chance to explain safety laws and demystify department policies in a relaxed, personal way.
“Over 51 percent of our police officers live in Simi Valley,” Shorts said. “That means we are part of the community.” And that, he says, makes officers more relatable. They’re not just in uniform—they’re neighbors, parents, and fellow community members.
At the same time, SVPD continues its core mission—responding to calls, preventing crime and catching those who break the law. Because the department is visible, transparent and communicative, it may sometimes feel like crime is on the rise. In reality, what residents are seeing is law enforcement doing its job and keeping people informed along the way.
And it’s not always about arrests or emergencies. Officers are also there to help people through all kinds of predicaments—lost property, stranded motorists, welfare checks and everyday challenges that need a steady hand and a caring response.
Past Coffee with a Cop conversations have touched on everything from traffic enforcement and homelessness to hiking tips and Friday night football. Some chats are serious. Some are light. All are valuable.
No speeches. No agenda. Just a chance to connect.
