“Shop with a Cop” held on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at the Target Store located on Gunbarrel Road was a huge success. There were over a hundred children present to shop for Christmas.

The Fraternal Order of Police partnered with Child Protective Services as well other law enforcement agencies to compile a list of children who would otherwise miss out on the joy of receiving Christmas gifts. During the event children were paired with a uniformed officer who took them shopping.

All too often the only interaction some children have with law enforcement is when a family member is arrested for a crime. Understandably this can result in negative memories associated with law enforcement. The goal of the Fraternal Order of Police along with the assistance of area law enforcement is to have a positive impact on these children at a young age. When an officer is shopping with a child they get to interact on a personal level and in a positive environment.

A huge thank you to Sheriff Hammond and the deputies who took time out of their day for the children while representing the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. The smiles and excitement on the faces of the children is what Christmas is all about.