Riverhead Police Participate in 7-Eleven's 'Operation Chill'

Riverhead Police Department was invited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of 7-Eleven’s Operation Chill on Wednesday.

The program was designed to reduce crime and enhance relations among 7-Eleven stores, police and youth.

Each year since 1995, Operation Chill has allowed law enforcement officers to “ticket” local children doing good deeds or exhibiting positive behavior.

The ticket is actually a coupon good for a free, small Slurpee at any participating 7-Eleven store.

Operation Chill offers opportunities for officers to interface with youngsters in a non-law enforcement situation.

The most popular uses include: rewarding kids for wearing bicycle helmets, doing good deeds, participating in school safety programs, participating in community activities and organizations, picking up trash, deterring crime or observing school crossing rules. Other opportunities include using the coupons as icebreakers to establish a rapport with kids in a neighborhood.