Miami cops issuing kids "citations"...for doing the right thing
MIAMI -- Miami police are tracking down children this summer and issuing "citations" -- for doing good. The officers are looking for kids who are "doing the right thing," according to CBS Miami.
The city's police chief, Rodolfo Llanes, was among those present as law officers gave 14-year-old Jacob Lofton his reward. Lofton couldn't find a job this summer so instead spends his days volunteering at a summer camp. Now he's being recognized for it.
"It feels pretty cool," Lofton told the station.
The"citations" are being issued in the form of free pizza, according to CBS Miami. The program is a combined effort by police and a program called Do The Right Thing.
Kids will be rewarded for wearing bike helmets, volunteering, crossing at crosswalks and random acts of kindness, the station reported.
"During the summer especially, students have more free time which can often lead to trouble. We are pleased to partner with the Miami Police Department and Papa John's to encourage youths to be mindful of doing the right thing," said the program's Executive Director, Jodi Atkison.
"Keep your hands to yourself. Stay away from drugs. Do good in school and listen," ten-year-old Stevie told the station.
"It's very important to me that our police officers engage in positive contact with our community beginning with our youth," said Chief Llanes.
The program has been around for 25 years, CBS Miami reports. According to the station, the group says it has expanded to 59 other law enforcement agencies nationwide and in England and Germany.