There's a good chance Niagara kids could find themselves getting pulled over by a police officer this summer, but instead of receiving a ticket, they'll be rewarded with a free Frosty.
The Niagara Regional Police Service's annual Positive Ticketing Campaign has returned for its eighth year in partnership with Wendy's, encouraging children to make safe choices while creating positive interactions between officers and young people throughout the community.
Constable Richard Hingley says the campaign rewards kids who are caught doing the right thing, whether that's wearing a properly fitted bike helmet, buckling their seatbelt, wearing a lifejacket on the water, or practising other safe habits.
While the free treat is always a hit, Hingley says the bigger goal is showing young people that police officers are there to help when they're needed.
That relationship is something police hope begins at an early age. Hingley says many adults grew up hearing police used as a threat to encourage good behaviour, but today's officers want children to know they can turn to them for help, guidance, and protection.
The campaign officially launched with free bike helmet giveaways across the region, which Hingley says went well.
The rewards don't stop after the kickoff events. Officers across every Niagara district will be carrying Positive Tickets all summer long, with 10,000 free Frosty coupons donated by Wendy's ready to hand out to kids making safe choices. Community officers also carry extra bike helmets so they can help children who may not already have one.
Hingley also has a reminder for drivers. With more children riding bikes, walking, and playing outside during the summer months, motorists are being asked to slow down, stay attentive, and take an extra second to check for pedestrians and cyclists before turning or entering intersections.
(Written by: Matt Latour)