Operation Freeze - offering positive ticketing of young people

OPP News Release

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North Bay - Kids may actually look forward to their next meeting with the police, thanks to a recent Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) youth initiative developed in partnership with Mac’s Convenience Stores that recognizes positive behaviour with a very cool treat.

In partnership with Mac’s Convenience Stores across Ontario, OPP Detachments will be engaged in the ‘positive ticketing of young people’ who are observed doing random acts of kindness or exhibiting positive behaviour. The ticket is actually a coupon valid for a free 710 ml Froster beverage at all participating Mac’s stores throughout this summer.

In addition to recognizing good behaviour by youth, Operation Freeze offers opportunities for OPP officers to interact with youth in a positive manner. In support of the OPP youth for wearing bicycle helmets, doing good deeds, participating in community activities, picking up trash, deterring crime or observing school crossing rules – while others may use the coupons as literal ‘icebreakers’ to establish a rapport with kids in their patrol area.

Though the reasons for being positive “ticketed” may vary, the end result of this youth positive ticketing initiative is the same for every youngster: a positive police – community experience and a free Froster beverage!

“Mac’s strives to be a leader in crime prevention” said Sean Sportun – Manager, Loss Prevention & Security for Mac’s in Central Canada. “We are very excited about Operation Freeze and the positive message it delivers.”

“OPP are pleased to participate in a program that recognizes youth for responsible and caring behaviour,” said Staff Sergeant Irving Sloss. “Partnering with local businesses and engaging our youth only makes our communities stronger. Many of our detachments and police services have engaged in similar youth positive ticketing initiatives aimed at addressing this issue and have achieved very good results. Operation Freeze is indeed a very positive initiative for our youth”.

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