Lanier, D.C. officers take kids holiday shopping (Photos)

Andrew Mollenbeck, wtop.com WASHINGTON -- About 100 kids got a personal shopper to help with their holiday lists: a D.C. police officer. The annual Shop with a Cop event came after weeks of protests across the country over police departments\' use of force. \"Having an opportunity to get up close with these kids, help them shop and have this nice interaction -- the timing is great,\" says Police Chief Cathy Lanier. The shopping spree came about through a $10,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation. Many police officers use their own money when the kids\' bill runs above $100. \"It\'s so important for kids to see police officers the way we want them to see us: somebody who can be helpful,\" Lanier says.