click image Photo via SLMPD Facebook

Operation Polar Cops

On Tuesday afternoon, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department unveiled its latest weapon in the war against crime: an ice cream truck.

Dubbed "Operation Polar Cops," the program involves distributing free ice cream (donated by Prairie Farms and Schnucks) to St. Louis residents via an ice cream truck purchased by the St. Louis Police Foundation. The exterior of the truck was designed at no cost by St. Louis advertising agency Switch, and it loudly proclaims its intent on the side: "To protect and serve ice cream."

According to SLMPD's official Facebook page , the goal of the initiative is to provide "a fun environment for citizens to have positive interactions with our officers" — an effort, it would seem, to engage in a more community-oriented model of policing. The Polars Cops' first customers were the children of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis."Law enforcement realizes the need to bridge gaps in our community," Chief Sam Dotson says in a press release. "It is more important than ever to engage citizens and build trust. Operation Polar Cops is a unique tool to reach our youngest citizens."The goal of this project is simple," he adds. "It's about introducing our officers as positive role models in a fun environment."The Operation Polar Cops truck will appear at parks, recreation centers and schools, as well as predetermined community events. Read the official press release and fact sheet on the program below: