Winnipeg police officers take students on shopping spree

From walking the beat to walking the mall, about 65 Winnipeg police officers were on scene today at St. Vital mall, but not to solve any crimes.

They were armed with good will and gift certificates for students, chosen by their principals for doing well in school.

The police walked arm-in-arm with 60 students from seven school divisions. They escorted them through the mall and helpied with their shopping sprees. Each student received a $200 gift certificate from St. Vital Centre to spend on whatever they wanted. 

"I'm amazed that I got picked, it's very weird to do this," said Grade 5 student Brandon Lee. The 10 year old was in Build-A-bear picking out gifts for his two younger brothers after picking up the video game WWE 2K16 for himself.

Const. Tamara Shurland, who usually keeps the city safe from bad guys, thought it was a nice change of pace.

"Today is a completely different day. It's actually a wonderful day. We get to take kids shopping at St. Vital mall and they get to buy presents for their friends and family."

Shurland said it was more than just picking out shiny things and gifts, it was about making connections with the kids.

"I think it's really important to be in the community and reach out to the community. We have a lot of young children out there that look up to us and it's a great day to spend the day with them and that way we can go shopping with them. They can ask us questions about our job and we can really engage in their life and the Christmas season," she said.

This is the ninth annual year of COPSHOP, which is a collaboration between the Winnipeg Police Service and St. Vital Centre.