Fostering a sense of community between children and the local police, and having fun while doing it are all part and parcel of the fourth annual CopShop at the Quinte Mall.
Fifteen officers from the Belleville Police Service along with 15 deserving kids from the Belleville community spent Wednesday afternoon shopping and visiting with Santa.
Members of the Belleville Police Service took part in the annual CopShop event at the Quinte Mall. (Photo: Amanda Smith/Quinte News)
Deputy Chief Mike Callaghan says this day is one everyone looks forward to.
Alison, 9, was paired with Staff Sgt. Rene Aubertin for the event and they had a game plan all set.
Alison had scoped out the entire mall and figured out what she was going to buy.
She even had a few things in mind for herself.
Callaghan said a program like this can’t happen without the support of the entire community and everyone, from the Quinte Mall to the partners in the program, understand the importance.
The CopShop program was launched in 2008.
