Cochise County Sheriff's Office Dec 9th: Shop with a Cop

Benson's "Shop with a Cop" Coming to Brighton the Holiday Season

Benson's annual Shop with a Cop program is happening on Saturday, December 2nd. This exciting community event provides an opportunity for families who may be struggling through the holiday season to have a better Christmas for their children.

Shop with a Cop. // Photo courtesy the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. Used with permission.

Raising Funds for the Shop with a Cop Program

Funds for the Benson Shop with a Cop program are raised throughout the year in preparation for this annual event.

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Depending on how much money is raised, children are given a chance to spend a specific amount of money on things they'd like for the holidays.

Shop with a Cop. // Photo courtesy of the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. Used with permission.

Children arrive for the event on Saturday Morning and are paired up with a Law Enforcement partner for the day. Before the event kicks off, the law enforcement officers spend time getting to know the kids. They all have a light snack and participate in a few activities like coloring.

Shop with a Cop. // Photo courtesy the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. Used with permission.

Santa's Police Car Sleigh Ride to the Shopping Center

Santa arrives and it's time for photos. Santa, the officers, and the kids capture the moment with a holiday keepsake. Then the kids get to hop into a police car, with lights and sirens blazing the trail for shopping fun.

Shop with a Cop. // Photo courtesy the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. Used with permission.

Benson's roads will be shut down for a few minutes to clear the path for dozens of police vehicles as they drive the kids to the Benson Walmart.

The Best Part of Shop with a Cop: Shopping!

As the kids arrive at the store, the officers take their partners around the store to shop for Christmas. Most of the kids head straight for the toy section, while some older children are more interested in checking out the sporting goods section and music department.

Shop with a Cop. // Photo courtesy the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. Used with permission.

Each child is different. Some kids know exactly what they want, while others stroll the aisles as they consider options and make decisions.

How to Apply for the Shop with a Cop Program

If you know a child who would benefit from the Annual Shop with a Cop Program, be sure to mark your calendar for next year. The application process usually takes place in October and early November.

Shop with a Cop. // Photo courtesy the Cochise County Sheriff's Office. Used with permission.

Be sure to follow the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for next year's date and time. The first Douglas Shop with a Cop will be held on Saturday, December 9th.

Photos and content courtesy Grady Butler, PIO Cochise County Sheriff's Office.

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