Providence police partner with organizations to create Shop with a Cop

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Providence police officers and kids took part in a Shop with a Cop event at the Walmart on Silver Spring Street Saturday afternoon.

Providence Police Detective Anthony Roberson told NBC 10 News he started the initiative with his department six years ago and Saturday's shopping spree was the seventh held.

"We had 21 kids and each kid got $100 to go shopping for back to school supplies," said Roberson.

Police said the event was made possible with grant money and a partnership with Walmart.

Officials said community partners Sojourner House, Crossroads, and Roger Williams University were all instrumental as well.

Lending families a helping hand was only part of the purpose of this event.

"It also gives the opportunity for law enforcement to interact in a positive way with the public they serve," said Det. Roberson. "Each party gets to know each other better when something is not happening, when there's not a call for service."

Jennifer Benalfew is the mother of third grader, Jhari Taylor.

"It's a great experience for Jhari and I'm enjoying it," said Benalfew. "A lot of cops are good guys. People are people."

The jury is still out on who enjoyed the event more, officers or the kids.

"I'm going to say the police officers," said, Det. Roberson.