The Metropolitan Police Department in St. Louis, Missouri, unveiled the
Operation Polar Cops ice cream truck at the Boys & Girls Club of
Greater St. Louis.
The truck is operated by the Community Engagement/Organizational
Development Division (CEODD) and provides free ice cream treats at
various locations throughout the City of St. Louis.
The mission of Operation Polar Cops is to cultivate positive interactions between police ofifcers and the citizens of the city.
“Law enforcement realizes the need to bridge gaps in our community. It
is more important than ever to engage citizens and build trust,” said
Police Commissioner Sam Dotson.
“Operation Polar Cops is a unique tool to reach our youngest citizens.
The goal of this project is simple. It‘s about introducing our officers
as positive role models in a fun environment,“ Dotson added.
The ice-cream truck was purchased by the St. Louis Police Foundation.
Prairie Farms Dairy and Schnuck Markets, Inc. will donate over 6,000 ice cream treats and frozen novelties to stock the truck.
Switch, an experiential marketing and advertising agency headquartered
in St. Louis, designed the exterior of the truck at no cost.
Operation Polar Cops will travel to predetermined locations, such as
parks, recreation centers and schools as well as attend community
events.
“We are excited to help launch Operation Polar Cops with the St. Louis
Metropolitan Police Department,” said Dr. Flint W. Fowler, President of
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.
“It’s critical that citizens and law enforcement work together to keep
our neighborhoods safe for all. It‘s encouraging to know that our police
department is seeking out new ways to connect with our youth,” Fowler
added.