Law enforcement agencies from across the state will participate in a fundraiser tonight to help the Special Olympics. "Law and Orders" will take place at various Applebees locations from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. tonight. Our Brad Vivacqua reports.

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NEW YORK -- Tonight, hundreds of police officers ranging from local to State Police will be trading in their handcuffs and badges for menus and serving trays. It's a way to help raise money to benefit the New York State Special Olympics.

If you ask the officers participating, they'll tell you it's a very important cause.

From 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., you can find officers at various Applebees locations greeting customers, busing tables, and serving dinner and appetizers. The hope is to collect tips to help support more than 55,000 athletes that compete in the Special Olympics in New York.

The money is also used to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run leading into the Opening Ceremonies of the fall games October 19th. Those participating tonight say it's an effort that's worthwhile.

"It enables us to participate and give back to the community not only that we work in and serve but to the athletes, because these athletes will also be attending some of these locations, and we can see the smiles on their faces knowing that they money we get in from those people who give will help bring those athletes to the games and that's the ultimate reason why we do what we do," said Jack Keller, NYS Police Troop D PIO.

Officials say typically, this event helps raise about $30,000 across the state for the Special Olympics.

The event is taking place in Syracuse area Applebees locations as well as in Auburn, Utica, and Binghamton.