Families gathered at Cove Community Center on Friday, March 13, as the Lakewood Police Department partnered with the center to host Cinema With A Cop, a free community movie night designed to help residents connect with local officers.

The event invited families from across the city to meet with their local police officers and watch a movie. Officers and volunteers welcomed children and parents as they arrived at the center throughout the afternoon.

The event aimed to help young residents see police officers in a friendly environment outside of their usual roles in the community.

Beginning at 4 p.m., children started arriving at Cove Community Center, where officers provided free snacks and coloring pages while they waited for the movie to begin. Families gathered around tables and in the viewing area as kids colored and chatted with officers.

The featured movie was “Zootopia,” chosen for its lighthearted story and its police-themed plot, making it a fitting selection for the event. As the movie played, kids sat with friends and family members while officers remained nearby to interact with families and answer questions.

Parents who attended said the event provided an opportunity for children to see police officers in a positive, approachable setting.

“I think it’s a good way to build relationships between the folks who serve the city and the residents of the city,” said Martha Warner, a mother who attended the event with her son.

Events like Cinema With A Cop are part of a broader effort by community organizations and local departments to strengthen connections between residents and public safety officials. By creating spaces where families can interact casually with officers, organizers hope to build trust and familiarity.

Local leaders also attended the event to support the initiative and highlight the importance of community partnerships.

It was really nice that the police department is offering this family-friendly event,” said Matt Bixenstine, a member of Lakewood’s City Council. “We’re really fortunate to have a place like Cove Center and a police department that really encourages community engagement.”

Bixenstine said events like this allow families to see the people behind the uniforms and help children understand the role police officers play in their community.

“You know our police department here is fabulous, and they perform a really valuable service. And I think it’s important for kids at a young age to appreciate the role the police play in keeping us safe, and I think this is a really good opportunity to connect with police officers.”

Organizers said the goal of the evening was simple: bring the community together in a welcoming environment where families and officers could interact in a positive way.

For many children, the highlight of the evening was watching a movie with friends while getting to meet the officers who serve their neighborhood.

By the end of the night, families had enjoyed a movie, snacks and conversation, and organizers said they hope the connections made during the event continue long after the credits rolled.