The next time you’re stopped by a Newton Police officer, it might be your lucky day.
For the last year, Patrolman Reid Larson and his colleagues have been giving out “positive tickets” to reward people they see doing good deeds in the community as well as build relationships.
“It’s a good conversation starter,” said the U.S. Army veteran.
However, Larson acknowledged that when he’s in his police uniform and approaches people, they’re often wary and concerned.
“Most of the reactions I receive when I stop and talk to people is, ‘Did I do something wrong’ written across their face,” he said. “When I tell them I want to give them a positive ticket, they always ask what that is, and I explain [that I’m giving a small reward to them] because of something good they have done, which brings a smile to their face.”
This summer Larson, 35, said he’s visited with kids at several block parties during his shift. When the children run over to get a closer look at his cruiser, he takes the opportunity to chat.
“When I get out of the vehicle, I like to ask everyone their names and to tell me some good things they have done lately — whether it’s helping a friend in need, listening to their parents [or] teachers at school or even practicing public safety when riding a bicycle or walking with friends down the sidewalk,” he said.
After letting kids sit in the driver’s seat and learn how the police cruiser works, Larson writes up positive tickets and adds personal notes telling them “to keep up the good work.”
Mission to build good relationships
Newton Police Chief John Carmichael instituted the good ticket program when he was sworn in a year ago, and Larson has been going through stacks of them ever since.
The program is part of the City’s emphasis on community policing.
According to the fiscal 2022 police budget’s mission statement, community policing “translates into face‐to‐face interactions in village centers and neighborhoods, at schools and faith organizations, with community groups, and at our playgrounds and parks.”
The Newton Police Reform Task Force also has emphasized the importance of improving relationships between the department and community through outreach.
While the police may be writing up the tickets, local businesses have been donating the rewards to make the program possible. Reid said participants include Sweet Tomatoes Pizza, D&A House of Pizza, Antoine’s Pastry Shop, and Cabot’s Ice Cream & Restaurant.
In addition to building relationships within the community, the tickets allow the department “to show people we appreciate the good deeds they do for others in the Newton community,” said Larson.