Tonight, DeKalb police officers will serve food instead of tickets.

The annual Cops and Lobsters will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Red Lobster, 2470 Sycamore Road.

The proceeds from the event will go to support the Special Olympics, an interaction program for children and adults who are mentally challenged.

“We will go with the server and introduce ourselves and ask for support, which is separate from the tips for the servers,” Sgt. Wes Hoadley said.

The cops then will be responsible for cleaning tables and serving food, water, coffee, refilling drinks and performing almost all of the regular duties of a server.

“We won’t take the order, serve alcohol or take the money,” Hoadley said.

Cops also will have a chance to go up to the tables and talk about the cause, said Red Lobster general manager Melanie Bacino.

There will be 12 cops participating and two greeters, including Police Chief Bill Feithen.

This is the fifth year the DeKalb Police Department and Red Lobster has held this event.

“It does increase the guest count,” Bacino said. “It’s a good community event. Our crew looks forward to it.”

When this event first started in 1997, $400 was raised. Last year, almost $2,000 was raised. This year’s goal is to surpass that amount.

Whatever money that the police department raises, Red Lobster will match it dollar for dollar.

Other police departments and Red Lobster restaurants will hold similar events throughout the state until mid-April.

“It is held at a time which is convenient for both,” Hoadley said. “We want to show that we do more than just give out tickets.”

Bacino encourages people to participate.

“I hope the community comes to support it,” Bacino said.

The police department also participates with the Special Olympics during the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which is held from June 10 to 15.

The torch will be passed throughout the state at that time. The police department has been participating in that event for 15 years.

The department also works with other organizations, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Relay for Life.