OPERATION FREEZE Targets Youth in Manitouwadge
“OPERATION FREEZE”: PROMOTING POSITIVE ENCOUNTERS WITH YOUTH
(MANITOUWADGE, ON) – Kids will have another reason to look forward to their next encounter with an Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer, thanks to a recent youth initiative developed in partnership with The Cow Convenience Store. This initiative recognizes positive behaviour by our communities’ youth in a very cool way…with a very cool treat.
In partnership with The Cow Convenience Store in Manitouwadge, OPP officers who observe local youth doing random acts of kindness or exhibiting positive behavior will be able to recognize that person with a “ticket” which is actually a coupon valid for a free Jumbo Mr Freezie valid at the Cow Convenience Store in Manitouwadge throughout the summer of 2010.
In addition to recognizing good behaviour, “Operation Freeze” offers opportunities for OPP officers to interact with youth in a positive manner while supporting the OPP Positive Ticketing Program. Officers may use the coupons to recognize youth for wearing bicycle helmets, doing good deeds, participating in community activities, picking up trash, pro-actively deterring crime or observing safe-street crossing rules. Officers can also make use of the coupons as “icebreakers” to establish a dialogue with kids in their patrol area.
Though the reasons for issuing the coupons may vary, the end result of this youth positive ticketing initiative is the same for every youngster: a positive police – community interaction experience and a free Jumbo Mr Freezie!
“The OPP is pleased to participate in an initiative that recognizes youth for responsible and caring behaviour,” said Inspector Mark Allen, Manager of the OPP Crime Prevention Section. “Partnering with local business and engaging our youth in a positive manner builds partnerships that make our communities stronger.”
