Operation Freeze Speaks Positively to Youth

The Ontario Provincial Police have teamed up with Mac's Convenience Stores to reward positive behavior in young people this summer.

July 01, 2011

ORILLIA, Ontario - School may be out for the summer, but kids will still have the opportunity to learn that "doing the right thing" is also the "cool thing to do."

Operation Freeze 2011, the Ontario Provincial Police??s (OPP) youth initiative developed in partnership with Mac??s Convenience Stores, recognizes positive behavior with a very, very cool treat.

Building on the recent success experienced through this winter??s Operation Heat 2011 initiative, OPP Detachments will again be engaged in the "positive ticketing of young people," who are observed doing random acts of kindness or exhibiting positive behavior. The ticket is actually a coupon valid for a free 710 ml Froster dispensed beverage at all participating Mac??s stores across Ontario.

In addition to recognizing good behavior by youth, Operation Freeze 2011 offers opportunities for OPP officers to interact with youth in a positive manner. Some police officers may use the coupons to recognize youth for wearing bicycle helmets, doing good deeds, participating in community activities, picking up trash, deterring crime or observing school crossing rules. Other officers may use the coupons as literal "icebreakers" to establish a rapport with kids in their patrol area. The intention is to ensure that the "Positive Tickets" legitimately reinforce the positive behavior exhibited by a youth, by offering something of value.

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

"Mac??s strives to be a leader in crime prevention," said Sean Sportun, manager of loss prevention and security for Mac??s in Central Canada. "We are very excited about Operation Freeze and the positive message it delivers."

"OPP are proud to once again participate in this highly successful initiative that recognizes youth for responsible and caring behavior," said Inspector Leslie Craig, in the OPP crime prevention section. "Partnering with local business and engaging our youth only makes our communities stronger. Operation Freeze is indeed a very positive initiative for both our officers and our youth."

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