The Woodstock Police tried to give motorists a bit of a break by issuing warnings and candy canes instead of fines for seat belt infractions.
WOODSTOCK - The Woodstock Police were out with a bag full of goodies to remind people about the importance of seatbelts.
During yesterday's seatbelt check the police decided to forgo the fine and gave out Christmas cards and candy canes to people to remind them to buckle up. Constable Nikki VanLeeuwen says the officers recognize the fine could be devastating at this time of year. "Usually people when they get stopped they're not very happy - its a $225 fine and our officers are writing tickets but it says Merry Christmas and they're handing out candy canes and cards. So I was at one location and people are very appreciative."
This is part of the Woodstock's ongoing mission to connect with the public as well as give some people a much needed break at the holiday season according to VanLeeuwen. "We stopped a couple people that maybe...haven't really...they don't really care for police. And it's kind of changing their attitude and putting a smile on their face and they're appreciative for the warning, especially at this time of year. People don't have as much money, people are stressed out, people are worried about providing for their families."
The credit for this idea goes to Constable Steve Berkeley who thought there might be a better way to remind people to buckle up at this time of year. "It's all our officers that brainstorm and come up with these ideas," VanLeeuwen says. "So Constable Steve Berkeley came up with this idea - he came into work for his shift and I had a conversation with him. He doesn't particularly like giving out tickets to people at this time of year so he thought he would put a twist on it and take this opportunity to educate the public."
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