Shop with a Cop
Shop with a Cop is an annual holiday event in San Diego County that was established in 1994. The program is sponsored by local law enforcement agencies in partnership with STAR/PAL, SeaWorld San Diego, and Target. Each year, the event brings together law enforcement officers and children for a supervised holiday experience.
A local law enforcement agency serves as the host each year. The current host agency is the El Cajon Police Department.
Event Participation
In December, more than 300 uniformed officers from over 30 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies volunteer their time to participate in Shop with a Cop. Officers are paired one on one with children who are selected through local schools. Each officer remains with their assigned child throughout the day’s activities.
The event includes a visit to SeaWorld San Diego, where participating children attend a private animal show. After the SeaWorld visit, officers and children travel together to Target for a holiday shopping experience.
Each child receives a $200 shopping allowance to purchase holiday gifts, with the officer assisting during the shopping portion of the event.
Shop with a Cop has been held annually since its founding in 1994. The program continues through the support of sponsoring organizations, participating agencies, and volunteers, and remains one of STAR/PAL’s long-running holiday initiatives serving children across San Diego County.
Community Partnerships
Shop with a Cop is made possible through collaboration between STAR/PAL, SeaWorld San Diego, Target, and participating law enforcement agencies throughout San Diego County. These partners support the planning and execution of the event each year.
