Police give motorists Thanksgiving surprise - by handing out free turkeys instead of tickets
- 5 months ago
Police gave motorists a fright and a Thanksgiving surprise - by handing out free turkeys instead of tickets.
Every year Summerville Police Department in South Carolina in the USA give drivers birds - not fines.
Footage shows drivers being pulled over and bursting into laughter and relief when handed a turkey instead of a ticket.
The department turns the yearly, week-long event called "Turkey, no Ticket", into a teaching experience for drivers.
They stop motorists who would normally have been issued written warning tickets and give them a free turkey instead.
Infractions like driving with an obstructed mirror, or minor speeding are the perfect target for "Turkey, no Ticket".
The event has happened for the last five years and uses turkeys donated by the local community, they normally hand out 10-20.
This year, Motorcycle Officers Bryan Young and T.J. Thomas gave out 12 turkeys donated by a local Harris Teeter supermarket.
Douglas Wright, Chief of Police, said that the project is intended to foster goodwill between police and the community.
He explained that the season can be difficult for many and he also hopes it will make it easier for those who are struggling.
He said: "These violators were stopped for minor traffic infractions, which we would typically issue written warnings to the violator.
"We feel that it is essential to utilize every unique idea to help break down the walls between the community and law enforcement.
"The holidays can be challenging for many reasons, so giving back to the community is another way to brighten the season."
He also said that his officers are always excited to take part in the project.
Chief Thomas explained: "Each year, the officers who are selected to participate absolutely love doing this particular outreach.
"Our agency is deeply involved in community outreach year-round. It really picks up starting in October for the holidays.
"This small act of kindness makes everyone smile when they watch the video because we are defying expectations and making people happy."
Every year Summerville Police Department in South Carolina in the USA give drivers birds - not fines.
Footage shows drivers being pulled over and bursting into laughter and relief when handed a turkey instead of a ticket.
The department turns the yearly, week-long event called "Turkey, no Ticket", into a teaching experience for drivers.
They stop motorists who would normally have been issued written warning tickets and give them a free turkey instead.
Infractions like driving with an obstructed mirror, or minor speeding are the perfect target for "Turkey, no Ticket".
The event has happened for the last five years and uses turkeys donated by the local community, they normally hand out 10-20.
This year, Motorcycle Officers Bryan Young and T.J. Thomas gave out 12 turkeys donated by a local Harris Teeter supermarket.
Douglas Wright, Chief of Police, said that the project is intended to foster goodwill between police and the community.
He explained that the season can be difficult for many and he also hopes it will make it easier for those who are struggling.
He said: "These violators were stopped for minor traffic infractions, which we would typically issue written warnings to the violator.
"We feel that it is essential to utilize every unique idea to help break down the walls between the community and law enforcement.
"The holidays can be challenging for many reasons, so giving back to the community is another way to brighten the season."
He also said that his officers are always excited to take part in the project.
Chief Thomas explained: "Each year, the officers who are selected to participate absolutely love doing this particular outreach.
"Our agency is deeply involved in community outreach year-round. It really picks up starting in October for the holidays.
"This small act of kindness makes everyone smile when they watch the video because we are defying expectations and making people happy."