Gotcha – Freeport Police issue tickets to kids doing good deeds

No good deed goes unpunished. Here in Freeport, police will be issuing “tickets” to children who are caught exhibiting positive behavior or abiding by municipal and quality of life laws. These tickets are actually coupons, a reward for positive behaviors, and are good for a free 12-oz Slurpee at any of Freeport’s 7-Eleven stores.

The Freeport Police Department recently partnered with 7-Eleven to reward young people who are making a positive contribution in their community. The program is called “Operation Chill,” a 7-Eleven outreach program designed to reduce crime and enhance relations between police and youth.

“We were invited by 7-Eleven to be part of this program and we are very happy to embrace it,” Freeport Police Chief Miguel Bermudez said.
Since its inception in 1996, the Operation Chill program has grown to include several hundred local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. More than 10 million coupons have been distributed to officers on the beat in cities and towns where 7-Eleven does business. Here in Freeport, the program began on Monday, Aug. 24, and at press time 118 children have received their tickets. This is the first year the program is in Freeport.

In addition to encouraging positive behaviors like wearing bicycle helmets, doing good deeds, participating in community activities and organizations, picking up trash, deterring crime or observing street crossing rules, the Operation Chill program offers opportunities for officers to establish a rapport with local kids.

“Ticketing children for performing good deeds with coupons for free Slurpee drinks is a great icebreaker for police and youths to interact,” said Bermudez. “This program will enable police officers to communicate and develop a positive relationship.”

“Operation Chill, along with our Adopt-A-Cop program, will reinforce the positive relationship with Freeport’s youth and our police officers,” said Mayor Robert Kennedy. “We are grateful to the 7-Eleven organization for creating this program and this instance, we hope to issue as many tickets as possible.”