FMPD Partners with 7-Eleven for Operation Chill

Kids in Fort Myers may actually look forward to their next encounter with the “heat” this summer, thanks to 7-Eleven® stores’ popular Operation Chill program that rewards positive behavior with a very cool treat.

Through Operation Chill®, Fort Myers Police officers will “ticket” youngsters caught in the act of doing good with Slurpee® beverage coupons.  Appropriate “offenses” might include helping another person, deterring crime or participating in a positive activity in the community.  Each coupon can be redeemed for a small Slurpee drink at participating 7-Eleven stores.

Since the program’s inception in 1995, more than 12.5 million Operation Chill coupons have been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country in the areas where 7-Eleven operates stores.  During 2014, approximately 1 million coupons will be issued nationally; Over 5,000 of those will be distributed in the City of Fort Myers during the summer months and back-to-school season.

“The coupons are great for officers who are on patrol in the community,” says police spokesperson Lieutenant Victor Medico.  “It’s another avenue for officers to encourage lasting dialogue with our youth in a non-threatening, non law-enforcement situation.”

Operation Chill was developed by 7-Eleven to positively reward and encourage good behavior by kids during the hot summer months, when there is often an increase in loitering, shoplifting, and graffiti, and to support law enforcement agencies’ community relations projects. Police use the Operation Chill program to reward youth for their good deeds as well as enhance their relations with the young people in their city.

7-Eleven’s proprietary Slurpee is a semi-frozen carbonated beverage and is a favorite with both young and old.  More than a half-million Slurpees are purchased each day during the summer at 7-Eleven stores across the country.