Lethbridge Police targeting ‘good behaviour’ with Operation Freeze

The Lethbridge Police Service and Circle K have partnered for Operation Freeze, a positive ticketing initiative that will see young people rewarded for good behaviour and acts of service or kindness.

Based on the philosophy that recognizing youth for positive actions will inspire and motivate others to follow suit, Circle K developed a youth relations program nearly 20 years ago to build trust between young people and the police, while reducing incidents of crime at their stores. 

Now, Operation Freeze is a Canada-wide positive ticketing program where complimentary beverage coupons are provided by Circle K to police agencies for officers to hand out to youngsters observed doing good deeds.

“We’re very pleased to continue positive ticketing with the Lethbridge Police Service,” said Sherry Coey, Circle K Senior Manager of Safety and Security for Western Canada. “The program has been very successful in continuing our partnership and enhancing community engagement initiatives.” 

The coupons – good for one small Froster – provide police opportunities for positive interactions with youth. Young people will be rewarded for a variety of good behaviour from wearing bicycle helmets, observing school crossing rules and doing good deeds to acts of kindness and service to others. Police may also use the coupons to help establish a rapport with youth in their patrol areas.

“Circle K is a great community partner and their dedication to youth engagement helps create more opportunities for our officers to build positive connections with young people,” said Cst. Karly Easter. “Together, we’re encouraging kids to make good choices and reminding them that police officers are here to help and support them.” 

Circle K has generously provided LPS with 1,000 Operation Freeze coupons and patrol, traffic and community engagement officers will be on the lookout for positive behaviour, good deeds, acts of kindness and goodwill gestures throughout the community.

LPS strongly supports initiatives that foster community engagement and values collaboration with community partners. The Service thanks Circle K for their ongoing partnership and commitment to youth engagement.