6 August, 2024
Chief Joseph Bennett is pleased to announce that the Hopkinton Police Department is launching a new program this week where officers can reward children they observe doing positive acts within the community with ice cream vouchers.
Operation Sweet Rewards began this week and Hopkinton Police officers will be handing out Sweet Scoops Citations to children in the community they observe doing things like helping a friend, showing kindness and being responsible citizens.
This is the first time the department is running this program, which was spearheaded by Hopkinton Police Officer Augusto Diaz. The program will run until Sept. 3.
"We look forward to starting this initiative and encouraging positive relationships between youth in the community and our officers," Officer Diaz said. "I'd also like to extend my thanks to Hopkinton Police Department dispatcher Robert Savolt for his artistic contributions to this campaign."
Officers will be on the lookout for children wearing helmets while riding bikes, playing outside, throwing away and picking up trash, being involved in community events and supporting their community, family and neighbors.
Kids who receive vouchers from officers will be able to redeem them for a free small ice cream at The Spoonery, located at 1 Lumber St. #103, or Hop-Yo, located at 36 Main St.
"This program is a fun way for our officers to engage positively with kids in the community who are displaying good behavior," Chief Bennett said. "We will be on the lookout for any opportunities to give out these vouchers and we are extremely thankful to the owners of The Spoonery and Hop-Yo for their generosity and partnership."
