It’s no secret that the left hates the police.
From wanting to defund them, to pushing slogans like “all cops are bastards,” to wishing (or legislating for) outright violence on them, this unhinged disdain for police is practically a pillar of modern leftism.
Now, to be completely fair, it would be utterly naive to suggest that there are no bad or corrupt cops out there.
But it’s not right, nor fair, to judge the majority based on a rotten minority.
(Funny, as that appears to be the basis of the left’s latest pro-Somalia tirades.)
Case in point, one of the things police do that never gets as much coverage as when they mess up is a heartfelt “Shop with a Cop” program.
Across the country, various police departments take part in this program during the Christmas season, and it’s a simple concept: Underprivileged children are paired with police officers, and the two can then go pick out a present for the child to get.
It’s a great program that’s also a powerful reminder that police officers exist to serve the community — something that anti-cop leftists seem unwilling or unable to comprehend.
Just look at some of these lit-up faces:
The #ChicagoPolice Department teamed up with former Chicago Bears player @iidonije and @myimpactfund for the annual Shop With a Cop at the South Loop @Target. This was a great opportunity for our officers to foster trust with local youth while celebrating the holidays together. pic.twitter.com/8K4Os3G9zs
— Chicago Police (@Chicago_Police) December 11, 2025
Recently, deputies from the District of Maryland joined Anne Arundel County Police for Shop with a Cop. Through the #SilverShield initiative, the USMS builds community partnerships to enhance public safety and strengthen the public trust.#USMarshals pic.twitter.com/LIXILFKRgg
— U.S. Marshals Service (@USMarshalsHQ) December 11, 2025
On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, officers from across our department participated in the annual Shop with a Cop event. Each child was paired with an officer and had the opportunity to pick out gifts for themselves. We extend our sincere thanks to the Wichita Police and Fire… pic.twitter.com/Ctpdu0bN7O
— Wichita Police (@WichitaPolice) December 11, 2025
But beyond the inherent good of helping children in need enjoy their Christmases just a little bit more, “Shop with a Cop” also does something more subtle — but arguably more important.
By working with underprivileged children in this program, police officers are usually working with kids from rougher backgrounds and neighborhoods.
But they’re teaching these kids, from a young age, that police are the good guys, which they overwhelmingly are. And if those kids grow up and have a more painful encounter with police (again, not exactly uncommon in rougher areas), that experience and knowledge could be invaluable.
It could literally be the difference between life and death, depending on the circumstances.
But that’s enough doom and gloom for the Christmas season.
Here’s how one officer glowingly described the “Shop with a Cop” experience, courtesy of the National Policing Institute: “And I can tell you, watching the joy on the children’s faces is something that stays with you for a long while.”
“To be honest, it’s the same for everyone in my department that participates. As a group, we feel fortunate to have a chance to give back while connecting with the community.”
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