2008 Shop With A Cop
Updated On: Sep 04, 2008

The Salt Lake Police Association's involvement with "Shop with A Cop" started way back in 1990.  Today there are versions of it in many states.  The main objective is to allow children ages 4 to 8 who are at risk, meaning low income families, families who have children witness their parent being arrested for some reason, families whose children who might be prone to gang affiliation or families have had drug issues, to have a positive experience with Law Enforcement. 

Originally the program was handled and managed through K-Mart.  The Salt Lake  Police Association would raise money towards the program through solicitation by Western States Publishing, who publishes the Police Association magazine.  They would donate this money, giving it to K-Mart and K-Mart would obtain additional monies from various other sources.  K-Mart would then organize the events at various K-Marts throughout the state of Utah. 

When K-Mart struggled with bankruptcy issues, the Shop With A Cop program lost a great deal of support.  Salt Lake Police Association decided that because this was such a worthy cause, they would take over sponsorship of this program in 2003. 

The SLPA decided to continue to hold the event at the Parley's Way K-MART location.  We want to thank K-Mart for their support of our program.  In 2007, Little America Hotel began to sponser the "Breakfast" portion of the event.  Once again thank you to Little America.  In 2008, both business' have agree to continue their support of our program, thus breakfast will be at Little American followed by shopping at K-Mart.

As in the past, various organizations including local schools are contacted to create a list of names of children who were at risk, to participate.  This is done throughout the Salt Lake Valley.  Law enforcement officers from all law jurisdictions within the State of Utah are invited to participate with us in the event.

Part of our objective is to make this an opportunity for these kids to experience a positive one-on-one experience with law enforcement officers.  We include children from all walks of life and all races.  To maintain this objective, we have a master data base listing all of the children who participated in the Shop With A Cop program.  

Each child has a gift certificate to shop with.  A Police Officer will accompanying the child.  There have been occasions when an officer will be almost ready to go to the checkout stand with the child, and the child has not picked out even one single item for themselves, everything is for other members of their family.  

Beginning in late September or early October of each year, anyone who knows of a child that meets the criteria and would like to have them put on the list can call Rita at 799-3307 with the child’s name, the name of the parent or guardian and their address.  Schools and other law enforcement agencies within Salt Lake County will be asked to contribute names of children they may know about who meet the criteria.  Around the middle of November, we will mail waivers to these parents to give their consent for their child to participate.  A child will not be allowed to participate in the event without this waiver. 

The purpose of the waiver is to acknowledge that the child will be riding in a police vehicle, and that they will not hold the law enforcement agency or K-Mart liable and acknowledging that the child could possibly appear in a media coverage.

When the waiver is sent, the parent is also asked to prepare a wish list for the child who is participating with clothing sizes and items needed, as well as toys that are wished for and acceptable to the family.

 

In 2007, we had a goal of making it the best Shop With A Cop event that had ever happened.  From the feedback we received from officers and people who participated, we succeeded.  We have the same goal for 2008 and want to make it one of the best experiences these children can remember for the rest of their lives.

If anyone has any questions regarding this program, please contact SLPA president Tom Gallegos at 799-3211.  If you have received a solicitation regarding this program and have a question about its legitimacy, please feel free to call the Salt Lake Police Association at the above listed number or Western States Publishing at 363-2958.  Call 799-3307 for questions regarding the waiver, dates or times.  

Thank You,

Salt Lake Police Association


  • SLPA

    Copyright © 2024. All Rights Reserved.

    Powered By UnionActive



  • Top of Page image