Roswell's Cops 'N Cars: Building Bridges with Classic Chrome

ROSWELL, GA – May 01, 2026 – On June 6, the familiar rumble of classic engines and the scent of festival food will fill the air at Lebanon Baptist Church as the Roswell community gathers for the 6th Annual Cops ‘N Cars Show. While the event promises a day of family fun with an impressive display of vintage and custom vehicles, its significance runs much deeper. Co-hosted by the Roswell Police Department and the Friends of Roswell Police Foundation, the show represents a deliberate and crucial effort to foster positive relationships in a city where police-community trust has been tested.

The free event, running from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., invites residents to engage with law enforcement officers in a relaxed, non-enforcement setting. All proceeds, including the $20 registration fee for car owners wishing to display their vehicles, will benefit the Friends of Roswell Police Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the department and its community initiatives.

Beyond the Badge: Mending Fences Through Conversation

The Cops 'N Cars show is more than a display of polished chrome; it's a strategic platform for dialogue and trust-building. For the Roswell Police Department, such events are an essential component of a broader community policing strategy, particularly given its challenging history. The department has faced significant public scrutiny in recent years, stemming from a 2019 investigation by 11Alive that uncovered what it termed "systemic problems," including allegations of misconduct and cover-ups that led to officer firings and the police chief's resignation.

A subsequent audit that year highlighted a "poor perception" of the department among some residents and low morale internally. More recently, in June 2024, the department launched another investigation into inappropriate comments made by two officers captured on a dashcam. These incidents underscore the persistent need for proactive measures to repair and strengthen the bond between the police and the public they serve.

Events like Cops 'N Cars are designed to directly address this need. “Events like Cops ‘N Cars provide a vital opportunity for our officers to interact with the residents we serve outside of emergency situations,” said Officer Tim Lupo, Public Information Officer for the Roswell Police Department, in a statement. “Those connections are invaluable.”

By creating a space where conversations can happen over a shared interest in automobiles rather than during a traffic stop or crisis call, the event aims to humanize both sides of the badge. It allows residents to see officers as fellow community members and gives officers a chance to build rapport without the pressures of an official incident.

Driving Support: The Foundation Fueling the Mission

Powering the Cops 'N Cars show and other outreach efforts is the Friends of Roswell Police Foundation. Established in 2021, the nonprofit operates as the official Qualified Law Enforcement Foundation (QLEF) for the department. This designation not only formalizes its support role but also allows donors to potentially receive Georgia state tax credits, encouraging community investment.

The foundation’s mission is to be “virtuous stewards of donated resources” by funding departmental needs and community programs. According to its own reporting, the organization has already served over 8,700 individuals and assisted 85 families. Funds raised from events like the car show are funneled directly into these efforts, providing resources that may fall outside the city's budget.

Teri Bell, President of the Friends of Roswell Police Foundation, emphasized the event's dual impact. “We absolutely love this event,” she stated. “Each year, we’re amazed by the incredible cars that come out, but even more so by the connections made between our officers and the community. Seeing everyone come together in such a positive and engaging way is truly special.”

While detailed financial filings for the young foundation were not immediately available, its wide-ranging support from local businesses and national brands like Walmart and Outback Steakhouse, listed as sponsors on its website, indicates a strong base of community and corporate backing for its mission.

A Revved-Up Tradition in a National Trend

The use of car shows as a tool for police outreach is not unique to Roswell. It's a popular and proven model used by departments nationwide. From the Hollywood Police Activities League in California to the Bensalem Police Activities League in Pennsylvania, law enforcement agencies have found that a shared passion for cars can effectively “bridge the gap” with their communities. These events consistently focus on creating informal, family-friendly atmospheres to foster positive interactions and raise funds for youth programs and other initiatives.

Roswell's Cops 'N Cars show fits squarely within this successful trend. Now in its sixth year, it has become an established local tradition. The combination of classic and custom cars, food trucks, and local vendors creates a festive environment that attracts a broad cross-section of the community, from car enthusiasts and families looking for a weekend activity to residents simply curious about the work of their police department.

For those interested in participating, vehicle owners are encouraged to register in advance. For everyone else, the invitation is simple: come enjoy a day of community spirit and classic cars, and perhaps leave with a new perspective. The event will take place at Lebanon Baptist Church, located at 11250 Crabapple Rd, offering ample space for the vehicles and festivities that aim to drive the community forward, together.