Similar to the holiday-themed “Shop With A Cop” events, the Tampa Police Department will host a two-day "Back-To-School Shop With A Cop" excursion with community youth at WestShore Plaza on Wednesday, August 2, and Thursday, August 3.
Donations made by community members and business partners to Rise Tampa, Our Police Foundation have made this event possible. Anyone interested in donating can go to www.risetampa.org.
Each student was nominated by a Tampa Police Officer who has interacted with them as they patrolled the community, worked with them as a school resource officer, or forged a relationship with them by participating in our Bigs in Blue program. Most of the students are in middle and high school, with a few elementary school students as well.
“This is another example of Community Oriented Policing at work,” said Chief Lee Bercaw. “Officers get to know kids in their assigned areas, address some of their needs, and continue building relationships. We are also fortunate to live in a community where so many of our neighbors and business partners are willing to donate toward making the school year better for young students. Together, we can make a positive impact on the kids in our community as they prepare for the next step in their education.”
The “Back-to-School Shop With A Cop” event builds relationships between law enforcement and the younger generation of community members as well. Each student is teamed with a member of the police department, getting to know one another a little bit better as they spend the day shopping the aisles for supplies.
It also provides a learning opportunity for the students. Each student will be provided up to $400 that they can spend on school supplies. Throughout the shopping trip, they will pick out items for school and keep track of their budget as they make their way to the checkout aisle.
Shopping will begin at 10:00 am both days.