Shop with a Cop

The Columbia Police Department and local F.O.P. started their "Shop with a Cop" program in 2003. The program was established to build positive relationships between police officers and the children of the community. On a Friday evening in early December, the Columbia Police officers that are involved with the program will take the children that were selected for the program, to the sponsoring store and then out to eat dinner. Each child receives money to spend on Christmas gifts. Often a child will buy presents for everyone in the family, but have to be coached by the officer to purchase a present of their own. It is a very positive experience not only for the kids that are involved, but also for the officers.

Children are recommended for participation in the program by police department members, school employees, social agencies and family shelters. Anyone can nominate a child who meets the criteria of being between the ages of six and eleven and who has a social or economic need. The child must also be a resident of Columbia and not have participated in the past.

Community participation is very welcome for the "Shop with a Cop" program. If you would like to donate your time or money to help make a child's Christmas special, or would like to nominate a child, please contact Sgt. Terry Peery of the Columbia Police Department at (931)840-5977.