Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 21 Prince Albert’s Police Service Shop with a Cop Program Shop with a Cop is a program that the Prince Albert Police Service has been practicing for four years. This idea was established by the St Paul Police Department in Minnesota, USA in 2000. Sgt Gwen Kennedy, a retired member from the Prince Albert Police Service implemented the program here in Prince Albert four years ago. The purpose of the event is to foster positive relationships between youth and officers. Young kids, K - 6th grade are selected each year during the end-of-the-year holiday season to shop at one of the local area stores to purchase gifts for members of their immediate family. Each child is given a $100 gift card. Approximately 1-2 children are assigned to each police officer, who then escorts them around the store and assists in selecting appropriate gifts for each family member. The children are told, and understand, that the money is not for personal use and must only be spent on members of their family. After shopping, the children will eat lunch and continue to get to know the police officers. We have an average of 25 students partake from our local community schools. Funds for the event have been donated from Prince Albert Crime Stoppers and Prince Albert Victim Services. Prince Albert Northern Buslines provide the bus and driver at no cost. This is an extremely successful event and is an excellent opportunity for police to interact with our youth on a positive note.
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