‘Shop with a cop’ 2025 brings joy to families in St Catherine South and beyond

The 'Shop with a Cop' Initiative once again brought smiles, hope, and meaningful connections to dozens of children and families, as officers from the St Catherine South Police Division partnered with community stakeholders to host the 2025 edition of the event.

Founded by Territorial Officer for the St Catherine South Police Division, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Paulette Baker, Shop With A Cop pairs children with police officers for a supervised and mentored shopping experience.

DSP Baker tells JIS News that the programme allows participants to select clothing, school supplies, toys, and other essentials, while fostering trust and positive interaction between youth and law enforcement.

She explains that the initiative is designed to support "children who are victims of crime, those who have experienced trauma, children who have shown improvement in academics and behaviour, and those who are less fortunate -- including, of course, children of our police officers."

Against this background, and following the passage of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, DSP Baker told JIS News that the Shop With A Cop initiative was expanded this year beyond St Catherine South, adding that the programme continued its mission by targeting 50 children.

She notes that the youngsters, ranging in age from five to 16, included several who had been affected by Hurricane Melissa in western parishes.

The senior officer explains that each child received $10,000 in vouchers or cash, made possible through the support of police officers, sponsors, and community partners, to purchase essential items during the shopping exercise, adding that many of these children are now attending schools.

She said the initiative's scope was widened this year to include a gift drive for children affected by the hurricane.

DSP Baker describes this outreach as "an act of solidarity" that extends "a powerful message of care and hope."

The senior officer assures that follow-up support will be provided where necessary.

"We will reach out to them, even after the end of the initiative... to ensure that they are taken care of," she adds.

Meanwhile, DSP Baker highlights the steady growth of the initiative since its inception.

"In 2022, eight children from the Youth Lift Behavioral Issues in School Programme were taken shopping, while others received packages. In 2023, the number rose to 48," she notes.

DSP Baker points out that the programme was further expanded in 2024 through strong institutional support.

"The initiative grew with the backing of the High Command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Karina Powell Hood, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Christopher Phillips, and several gazetted officers participated. Forty-five children benefitted, and the event was broadcast nationally," she says.

DSP Baker emphasises the broader philosophy behind the programme, noting that together these initiatives remind the public that policing is not only about enforcement but also about compassion, care, and community.

Meanwhile, parents have welcomed the initiative, describing it as both timely and impactful.

Rosealee Miller says she was excited and very grateful for the initiative, and expressed thanks while encouraging the organisers to continue their work.

Another parent, Dionne Williams, says Shop With A Cop creates positive exposure for children, adding she believes "it is a good idea because it opens their eyes to new experiences and encourages them to explore."

She notes that children were selected based on, among other things, academic performance, adding that her daughter was selected based on that criteria.

Ms Williams acknowledges that the initiative strengthens police/community relations, noting that it allows residents to interact with officers and get to know them better.

St Catherine resident, Natalie Lindsay, whose granddaughter, Mikayla Ledgister, was affected by the hurricane, says the initiative was especially meaningful, given the circumstances surrounding her family's displacement.

She notes that it was her first time experiencing the programme and describes it as "a good initiative."

Ms Lindsay tells JIS News that, following the hurricane's passage, she arranged for her granddaughter to leave St. Elizabeth and stay with her, as the disaster's impact created uncertainty and hardship for the family.

She says the transition was challenging, particularly for her young granddaughter as she adjusted to a new environment so close to the Christmas season.

Ms. Lindsay points out that the Shop With A Cop initiative provided timely relief, enabling Mikayla to receive essential items while also enjoying a positive and uplifting experience alongside other children.

She notes that the interaction with police officers helped to ease her granddaughter's anxiety and restored a sense of normalcy after the disruption caused by the hurricane.

Ms Lindsay adds that since relocating from St. Elizabeth, efforts were also made to have Mikayla enrolled in a school in St. Catherine, describing the adjustment process as challenging but necessary to ensure continuity in her education.

She tells JIS News that the opportunity afforded through the initiative reinforced her appreciation for programmes supporting families affected by natural disasters

Children who participated in the exercise also shared their excitement, expressing joy at the opportunity and appreciation for the support they received.

Abidon Nicholson says he felt "all right", noting that he planned to get clothes along with a few other items.

Meanwhile, Aquan McCarthy describes the experience as "nice" and expresses appreciation for the police officers who assisted him while shopping.

Superintendent of Police Throyville Haughton, attached to the St. Catherine South Police Division, says the initiative represents meaningful community engagement.

"I think it's really remarkable that we have reached out in this way to engage the community, especially the younger ones. We want them to also consider the [Jamaica Constabulary Force] Force as a viable option when they get older, because this kind of interaction would have encouraged them in some way or the other," he tells JIS News.

Meanwhile, DSP Baker's daughter, Vanessa Darlington, who travelled from New York to support the initiative, shares that seeing the smiles on the faces of the children and parents at Christmas time warmed her heart.

She remarks that it is very sad to know many children cannot afford basic items, but emphasises that being able to give back and put a smile on their faces means so much.

Justice of the Peace (JP), Bishop Karen Reid-Hyman, who participated in the activity, says the programme has remained impactful over the years.

"It has been [three] years... and it has been going well. The children have been appreciative," she tells JIS News, while encouraging the initiative's continuation.

Meanwhile, DSP Baker notes that the programme continues to demonstrate the human side of policing.

"By shopping side by side with our children and delivering gifts to those in need, we are building trust, restoring smiles, and spreading hope," she proudly tells JIS News.

- JIS

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