A police force in the US is treating members of the public to free Thanksgiving turkeys instead of issuing tickets.
Operation Peacemaker saw officers from the Laredo Police Department in Texas hand out turkeys instead of traffic tickets.
Officers pulled over people who were making genuine traffic violations, but instead of punishing them with a fine, handed them a turkey to cook on Thanksgiving. A video of the big turkey handout was shared by the force on YouTube, and pictures of the day on Facebook.
In the video one woman can be seen weeping as the police officer, speaking Spanish, tells her she is not getting a ticket.
The turkeys were donated by a local business that wished to remain anonymous, but that didn’t stop the police chief from praising his officers.
People glad to see officers today. Disclaimer! This will make you feel good just like the officers in these pictures….Posted by Laredo Police Department on Friday, November 17, 2017
“Humanity in the performance of one’s duty as an officer is first and foremost” said Chief Claudio Trevino.
“The officers came up with the idea and that commitment to the betterment and service to our community is what makes me proudest to be the head of such a dedicated and compassionate group of officers.”
So far, the officers have handed out 25 turkeys.
