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UAPD to begin giving out coupons for obeying the law

Ian C. Mayer Arizona Summer Wildcat UAPD Sergeant Michael Smith (right) gives graduate student Chris Gutmann a coupon for a free "Big Gulp" yesterday for obeying a stop at the corner of University and Park. University of Arizona police started a three month trial program where officers will give students coupons for free or reduced priced items to campus-area businesses, for obeying the law.

Starting yesterday, obeying the law at the UA not only leads to a safe and orderly society, but great deals at campus-area eateries.

University of Arizona police started a three-month trial program during which officers will award students coupons for free or reduced-priced items at campus-area businesses for obeying the law.

"Students will get a simple thank you for helping create a safer environment," said Sgt. Michael Smith, a UAPD spokesman.

Smith was quick to point out that officers would not be stopping motorists and only foot and bicycle patrol officers will participate.

"This is geared toward bicyclists and pedestrians," Smith said.

Officers Marsha Hogan and Paul Reinhardt will assist Smith with the project.

"At least it will be positive interaction with law enforcement," Smith said.

Smith said the officers handed out about 30 coupons to students yesterday.

"It was short and sweet, and it took a lot of people by surprise," he said. "One student said 'positive reinforcement, huh?'"

Hogan said she thinks the program is a great idea.

"I think it's good because the public in general only gets stopped for bad things," she said. "Everything we have found has been very positive."

Hogan said the general reaction from students when they were stopped was "what did I do wrong?"

Earlier in the year the department sent letters to campus-area businesses asking them to supply the officers with coupons.

Smith received many responses including coupons from 7-Eleven, Starbucks, Carl's Jr., Burger King and Johnny Rockets.

If a student is at one of the "problem intersections," such as North Park Avenue and East University Boulevard, East First Street and North Cherry Avenue or East Second Street and North Mountain Avenue, they might run into an officer looking for do-gooders.

"It's been done at other police departments, and we're hopeful it will work here," Smith said.