In a world where misunderstandings and fear can cloud the relationship between law enforcement and youth, the Shop with a Cop initiative shines as a beacon of hope and connection. Established years ago, Raleigh Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program was designed to foster positive relationships between local youth and police officers and create an environment where trust can flourish while spreading the joy of the holiday season.
The inception of Shop with a Cop arose from the recognition that many young people view officers with hesitation or apprehension, often due to negative experiences or media portrayals. The event provides a relaxed, stress-free opportunity for officers to engage with them, helping to break down misconceptions and build lasting trust.
“Our goal is for the kids to realize they can reach out to us whenever they need assistance,” explains Senior Officer J. Thompson. Often, officers interact with them during traumatic situations, such as car accidents or neighborhood incidents. This initiative flips the script by allowing genuine connections to form over shared experiences in a safe and fun setting.
Every fall, the program reaches out to various community partners to nominate participants for Shop with a Cop. This includes school social workers, local police officers, and community organizations. The selection process is inclusive, with no strict criteria beyond participants being between the ages of 6 and 16; nominations can be based on good grades, leadership, or even personal challenges.
Ensuring inclusivity is a priority for the program. Senior Officer Thompson emphasizes the importance of reaching out to partners across the city to connect with children from diverse backgrounds. “We want to make sure we’re reaching kids from all walks of life and different neighborhoods,” he explains, highlighting the program’s commitment to community representation and ensuring “that we’re reaching kids who would benefit from this experience.”
The event typically begins with officers, volunteers, and families gathering at a local retail store. After a warm welcome from the police chief, participants are matched with officers for a day of shopping. The atmosphere is filled with laughter and excitement as kids pick out gifts, not just for themselves but often for family members, too. A wrapping station is available for those who want to present their gifts beautifully, and each family receives a gift basket filled with enjoyable activities for a Family Fun Night.
For Shop with a Cop, success isn’t measured by statistics. “We measure our success by the smiles on the kids’ faces and the cart full of toys they get to take home!” says Senior Officer Thompson. This simple yet profound approach highlights the program’s focus on emotional impact rather than mere numbers — and the joy of the event is palpable. “The kids, and the officers, have a great time!” he continues. In recent years, participation has significantly increased, which demonstrates the community’s positive reception of the program.
From left to right: Detective Royster, Officer Wilkins, Officer Rucker, Officer Romero-Reyes, Sergeant Baldy, and Officer Tovar
The impact of Shop with a Cop on participants is profound. It provides kids with a unique opportunity to interact with officers in a non-threatening environment, and many officers report that they enjoy the experience just as much as the kids do. “Officers often use their own money to buy extra gifts for the kids, showing their commitment to the community,” shares Senior Officer Thompson.
This initiative also allows officers to unwind — without the pressure of responding to urgent calls — and engage in meaningful conversations with children about their lives, interests, and aspirations. Senior Officer Thompson explains how bridges are built: “The relaxed setting facilitates discussions that wouldn’t typically happen during regular police interactions.”
The success of Shop with a Cop relies heavily on its partnerships with local organizations. Collaborations with school social workers and community groups help identify children who would benefit from the program. “These organizations understand the children and their stories,” says Senior Officer Thompson, “and they refer us to kids who they believe would be a good fit.”
Additionally, the Raleigh Police Department’s Families Behind the Badge group (family members of RPD employees who provide support to employees, their families, and the community) plays a crucial role by creating gift baskets for participants. The Raleigh Police Foundation also supports the initiative by providing financial backing and the resources necessary for its success.
While public support is not actively sought, the program benefits from several sponsors who help fund the event. According to Senior Officer Thompson: “Their financial support is crucial to making this event happen.”
By creating a space for positive interactions, the program not only builds trust but also cultivates a sense of community. As the initiative continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of compassion, understanding, and the belief that together we can create a brighter future for the children of our community.
Plans are underway for this year’s Shop with a Cop event, although specific details are still being finalized. Be sure to watch RPD’s social media for the most recent event information.
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