Shop with A cop Program

 It has long been noted that relationships between the law enforcement  and civilian communities, particularly within the last several years,  have been very strained. The intent of the Shop with a Cop program is to  address the issue of repairing and making these strained relationships  better. From a functional standpoint, it is felt that to address this  issue the place to start is with the younger kids, between the ages of 6  and 11. Shop with a Cop hopes to break down the barriers between the  community and the police with the intent of developing a better and more  trusted relationship. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. In the  case of the Shop with a Cop program, it can also be easy. The holidays  are the perfect time for officers to reach out to kids and create a fun  and happy memory of the season that can last a lifetime. It doesn’t  require a lot of management, money, or manpower and it gives the  community and officers alike the opportunity to connect in a positive  and fun environment. Quite often, a child’s initial interactions with  law enforcement officers are not under the most uplifting conditions.  The Shop with a Cop event offers a simple opportunity at the holidays to  join law enforcement in a fun and positive way with children in need.