GREENVILLE – The Greenville Police Department held its second annual Shop with a Cop event at the Greenville Walmart, continuing a growing tradition of community outreach under the direction of GPD Chief Ryan Benge.
“We are trying to connect with our citizens, and as long as I am here, things like this are going to keep taking place,” said Chief Benge. “I know my administration supports it, too. I am grateful for them and their work.”
Greenville City Councilman Chris Norris noted that the program began shortly after Benge became chief.
“This is something Chief Benge had the idea about to get more involvement with PR out in the community, get a positive reflection for the Police Department,” Norris said. “This was one of his first items on the agenda to be brought to the council to see if we could do the Shop with a Cop program.”
The annual event gives children the opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts while spending time with Greenville’s officers, engaging in meaningful conversations, and receiving important resources related to drug awareness and prevention.
“We wear these silly hats and make jokes with them. We are able to connect with them on that level, so it’s fun,” Benge said. “Since last year’s Shop with a Cop, there have been numerous times where I have been in Walmart shopping off duty — and I know some of the officers have also — and you see some of the grandparents or moms and dads and kids, and they remember you and remember this experience. It has already paid off just since last year, and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the years to come.”
When Benge assumed the role of chief, he made it a priority to strengthen the department’s relationship with the community, especially local youth.
“I have been the chief for about a year and a half,” he said. “Immediately, my administration and I created a community outreach team. There are three or four of us who go to all of these different events — approximately 15 events every year — the horse parade, Coffee with the Cops, Shop with a Cop, many different things for Easter.”
“It is a chance to get to know the community, figure out what is going on, and help build that relationship because we need it,” he added. “The police can’t function, in my opinion, without the support of the community. I am grateful for all the help. You see all these people helping — we have council members here, different businesses, and committees — it’s amazing.”
The department’s school resource officers also use Shop with a Cop to connect with students they see each day.
“Even though I see them daily, they don’t get to see us and interact with us like this,” said Greenville School Resource Officer Ryan Borowske. “It’s a nice experience because some of the kids, the parents can’t afford the things that they are getting, and it gives them a Christmas and happiness.”
Borowske believes the event reinforces the trust students need to feel comfortable approaching police when problems arise.
“In the school system, we don’t deal with a lot of criminal activity,” Borowske said. “It’s more of that interaction — they have that trust to come to us and say, hey, there is a problem, and please help me with that problem — so building that trust is a real key.”
Chief Benge said the benefits of the department’s outreach efforts are already visible throughout the community.
“We are already reaping the rewards with the relationships in the schools,” said Benge. “Out on calls, we will see kids, and they remember us. You’re not going to see it all come to fruition immediately, but you start seeing those little things over time. That is what I want because I grew up here. I think I have a good feeling of what the community needs, and that’s what I wanted when I was young: to be able to connect with the police and know that if there is an emergency, they’re going to help me, even if it’s not an emergency.”
Shop with a Cop is made possible through the continued support of Zechar Bailey Funeral Home and the Back the Blue Memorial Event Committee.
“We couldn’t do this without the sponsors and volunteers,” said Chief Benge. “The city supports it, but it is really all the other pieces that keep it running, and we are grateful for that.”
“We donate, and the city matches our donation to provide the funds for this event,” said Greg Zechar. “Back the Blue is a Fallen Police Officers Organization that we have here locally. We work closely with the police department here in town. They bring us in to help with the shopping and the running of the event. Merry Christmas to everyone.”
Chief Benge concluded with a message for the community.
“Thanks to all the citizens for their support throughout the last year. I hope you and your families have a safe and Merry Christmas, and if you need anything, you know where we are — we’ll be there to help you.”
