This summer, officers with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be rewarding children and youth across Ontario for acts of kindness and exhibiting positive behaviour.
Through a partnership with Circle K convenience stores, OPP officers will be handing out thousands of ‘positive tickets’ — coupons redeemable for a free small ‘Froster’ at a local Circle K.
The officers will be on the lookout for kids practising personal safety (such as by wearing a bicycle helmet), being kind to others and doing various good deeds, participating in community activities, demonstrating pride in their community (such as by picking up litter and trash), deterring crime, and observing school crossing rules.
They may also hand out the coupons to establish a rapport with kids in their patrol area.
The OPP stresses officers will not seek or record any identifying information when handing out the coupons, as the purpose of the program is to help police foster strong relationships with the youth they serve in their communities.
“This is a great initiative and allows officers the opportunity to interact with youth in a positive manner,” says Inspector Terry Ward, Dufferin OPP Detachment Commander. “These interactions with police can open dialogue with the youth and leave a good lasting impression.”