Years ago, One-Minute Manager Ken Blanchard came out with the advice to help employees reach their full potential by “catching them doing something right.” The Elgin Police Department is trying a similar approach in the coming weeks with its “I Got Caught” program.

According to a recent press release, the Elgin Police Department, in partnership with AAA and Dairy Queen, will be on the lookout for children wearing their bicycle helmets during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend.

The “I Got Caught” program rewards children with a free coupon for a Dairy Queen ice cream when spotted wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard, scooter, or in-line skates. When “caught,” officers will “cite” the child by issuing them a mock ticket. The ticket will include a coupon for a free ice cream bar at the following participating Dairy Queen locations: 727 Villa Street and 704 W. Chicago Street in Elgin, and 712 N. McLean Boulevard in South Elgin.

The goal of the program is to encourage children to practice good safety habits by wearing the proper protective equipment while on their bicycles.

Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda said he likes the idea a lot.

“Any positive interaction between the youth of Elgin and the officers of the police department is great,” he said. “This is yet another example of our outreach to form positive relationships while rewarding youth for practicing good safety habits while riding their bicycles. I wish to extend my appreciation to AAA and Dairy Queen for their participation in community outreach with the police department.”

SOURCE: city of Elgin press release