MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - Miami Gardens Police showed their sense of humor Friday by conducting their third annual Turkeys instead of Tickets operation.
As they have done in previous years, drivers pulled over for minor infractions get a Thanksgiving surprise instead of a citation.
“Did you stop at the stop sign?” asked Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt.
“Yes, I did,” said the driver.
“You positive, right?” asked Noel-Pratt.
“One hundred percent,” said the driver.
“You’re not getting a ticket,” said Noel Pratt. “We just want to give you a turkey for Thanksgiving.”
Officers pulled over drivers at random, and Noel-Pratt was front and center with a smile to hand out some birds before Thanksgiving.
“We have to let them know that we’re more than just enforcers,” said Noel-Pratt. “We’re out here doing a lot of community events, and this is just one of them.”
The turkeys were donated by Walmart. Jose Colon, a spokesperson for the super store, said they are glad to give back to the community.
“We love to take care of the community,” said Colon. “We are not only here for them to shop. We are here also for them to come and be part of the family.”
The drivers said they will take the turkeys over tickets any day.
“That was a wonderful surprise,” said Jamila Mercado, a driver. “I really wasn’t expecting that.”
The turkey traffic stops continue in Miami Gardens while supplies last.
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