JACKSON OFFER POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

Safety is getting a big boost in Jackson this month through a program initiated by the Jackson Police Department.

Police officers are presenting safety citations to people observed acting in a way that promotes safety. That could include children on bicycles, motorists extending courtesy to fellow drivers or anyone taking safety precautions at home, work or school. At the bottom of each of the citations is a coupon for free items from a Jackson merchant. The purpose of the program is to promote safety and a positive relationship between police and the community.

The police don't plan to stop motorists to award them a safety citation. Instead, they will jot down the license plate number and mail the citation to the motorist. That's smart considering experiences of other departments that have done the same thing and found motorists don't like to be stopped even if they are being stopped for doing something proper.

The program seems an excellent way to promote courtesy and safety across Jackson and at the same time establish good relations between citizens and police. It is a positive approach to law enforcement that will pay big rewards in the long run.