Some Police Departments Hand Out Turkeys Instead of Traffic Tickets
In the spirit of giving, some police departments continue a tradition of pulling over drivers and handing them a surprise Thanksgiving food staple instead of a traffic ticket. The Fulton Police Department in Fulton, Illinois, is hosting its Operation Turkey Stop program this year. The operation began in 2021 as a way to foster a good working relationship with the community.
Officer Dwayne Hamilton explained that the police department gets its turkeys from a local grocery store and the goal is to reach out to the public and try to help them enjoy the holidays just a little bit more. The officers look for everyday traffic violations, initiate traffic stops, and instead of issuing fines or punishments, drivers are given a turkey.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with drivers expressing gratitude and some even stating that they weren’t sure how they were going to have food for the holidays. Other police departments in Illinois and Texas have also hosted similar events, including the McAllen Police Department’s Ticket or Turkey event and the Jackson Police Department’s free turkey giveaway.
The tradition is not limited to these departments, as other stations around the country have also been providing turkeys to families in need during the holiday season.
