When you think of law enforcement, the idea that often comes to mind is the police officers. That’s not surprising, because our role in the criminal justice system is to act as the face of the system and to investigate crimes.

But, while police officers play a critical role in the criminal justice system for this role in law enforcement, that is not the only role we play in the community. We also take part in community events and volunteer our time to help families in need. One of the methods used by police to assist with community relations and to help out in the community is through Shop with a Cop programs.

What is the Shop with a Cop Program?

Shop with a Cop is an event that focuses on underprivileged children and families within a local community. Police officers spend time with the children and shop with them in a local store. During the event, the children are given a gift certificate to purchase any items they want in the store. The police officer acts as a chaperone and companion to the children throughout the day as they shop for items.

[More from the CJE Podcast: Episode 276. Law Enforcement Trainer and Former Prosecutor Val Van Brocklin. We talked about many things, but Val also trains officers about the importance of building and sustaining good community relationships. Listen Now.]

In many cases, the program starts with a meal. The children and officers eat together before the children are given their gift certificate. They then spend a portion of the day shopping for items based on the children’s interests and the stores involved in the event. The program moves on to lunch with the officers before allowing the children to watch a movie or engage in other forms of entertainment. They finish off their day with a pizza dinner. Events that take place during the holiday season may also have an opportunity to talk to a Santa.

Why is the Program Important?

The Shop with a Cop program reaches out to members of the community who may otherwise hesitate to engage with police officers on a regular basis. It also allows children to become familiar with police and feel comfortable in their presence. It teaches the children that police officers are individuals who have unique interests, goals, and families of their own and that they are here to help.

By participating in the program, children gain a positive experience with police officers, officers get to bond with the children and give them a different perspective on the role of police in a local community. Since the children involved in the Shop with a Cop program do not always have positive impressions or experiences with police, it also allows them to develop fond memories of the officers and helps them develop trust with law enforcement officials. 

[More from the CJE Podcast: Episode 277. Shield616 Jake Skifstad. His non-profit provides much needed tactical vests to law enforcement agencies across the nation. He works with the public to raise funds and then has a ceremony where law enforcement and community members can meet. A great interview. Listen Now.]

The program also helps members of the local community who may need assistance at different times of the year. Children to pick out items they want or need without hesitation due to the costs and, in some cases, children have selected items like space heaters or food to address specific needs they have at home. During the holiday season, they sometimes select gift items for family members as well as items for themselves.

How to Get Involved in Your Local Area

Local businesses can get involved by providing gift certificates to the children or offering other services to assist with the afternoon. For example, a local restaurant may offer meals for the police officers and the children during their shopping excursion. 

Stores may also offer goodie bags for the children with items they can enjoy or take home as part of their participation in the event.

If you are not a business owner, then you can get involved in the event by offering a donation to the event. Donations help the program continue each year by providing the funds to pay for the gift cards and the meals provided during the event. You can give a donation to the organizers of the event or through the appropriate police station.

If you work in the criminal justice system, then you can also get involved by helping the program identify qualified children to shop with the police officers. Law enforcement officials work with other professionals in the criminal justice system and the educational system to identify children who may benefit from the program. They screen children based on recommendations from school authorities and members of the police force. If you work with the police in your local area or if you want to bring a family to the attention of appropriate police officers, then you can reach out to appropriate authorities involved in the event.

The final option for getting involved in the Shop with a Cop program in your local area is donating items for the event. For example, you can donate goodie bags for the children rather than donating money directly. While local businesses may donate goodie bags, you can also talk to the event organizers to work with the businesses or to add to the goodie bags with a donation. Keep in mind that every local area has a different process for donations and participation, so you will want to look into the details of your local community programs to clarify the options for donations and involvement as a member of the community.

A Shop with a Cop program is a charitable program that helps connect police officers with children in a local community. The programs help families in need and allow children to see a positive side to law enforcement. It helps police officers establish friendly relations with children and families from underprivileged homes. The program is about helping families while also building strong communities ties by coming together for a common purpose and developing a bond between the police officers and the families involved in the event.