Caught cold-handed: Troy police tickets kids for good behavior

Ever hear of police giving a ticket for good behavior?

Well, school's out for the summer and kids in Troy may actually look forward to their next encounter with the summer "heat," thanks to 7-Eleven® stores' popular Operation Chill program that rewards positive behavior with a very cool treat.

Recommended Videos



Through Operation Chill®, law enforcement officers from participating local police and sheriff's departments can "ticket" kids caught doing kind acts by rewarding them with Slurpee® beverage coupons. Appropriate "offenses" might include helping another person, deterring crime or participating in a positive activity in the community.  Each coupon can be redeemed for a small Slurpee drink at participating 7-Eleven stores. 

Since the program began in 1995, more than 12.5 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country where 7-Eleven stores are located. During 2014, approximately 1 million coupons will be issued nationally – most during the summer months and back-to-school season. 

"The coupons are great for officers who are on patrol in the community," says Sgt. Andy Breidenich. "It's an icebreaker, a way to encourage dialogue in a non-threatening, non-law-enforcement situation."

Operation Chill was developed by 7-Eleven, Inc. to positively reward and encourage good behavior by kids during the hot summer months when loitering, shoplifting and graffiti may increase. The program is also important for supporting law enforcement agencies in their community relations projects.

"This program is a big hit with both law enforcement agencies and kids," said Steven Sturgill, asset protection manager for 7-Eleven; Heartland Zone. "Police officers have told us they love having a positive reason to approach kids and thank them for being good citizens." Sturgill added that police departments start contacting 7-Eleven early each year to sign up for the annual program. 

7-Eleven's Slurpee semi-frozen carbonated beverage has generational appeal with slurpers both young and old, as well as more than a half-million Slurpee drinks are purchased each day during the summer at 7-Eleven stores across the country.