NORWOOD — Over the past six years Norwood police have issued more than 300 tickets to children.

Fortunately for them, the tickets aren’t for misconduct, but rather for good behavior and the tickets are redeemable for a free ice cream at the Hometown Cafe.

The program was founded by Patrolman Garrett Shutts who said he modeled it after a similar effort launched by police in Plattsburgh. When officers see children helping neighbors, wearing helmets when riding bikes or performing acts of kindness they swoop in and issue them a ‘ticket.’

Norwood Police Chief Shawn Wells said the program has allowed police to connect with children and the community.

He said that views on law enforcement tend to swing like a pendulum.

“On one end we are the enemy. On the other end we are your good friends and neighbors,” he said.

Wells said in recent years police officers and departments nationwide have been on the wrong side of the pendulum, but programs like this act as a counterweight in small communities.

Wells said by nature police tend to show up when bad things happen. For many people, who only encounter police in a negative situation it’s easy to understand why people feel that way.

He said stopping kids in positive situations helps build trust and relieve fears that can be common when dealing with police.

Shutts said that when kids are approached by officers who are about to ‘ticket them’ with a free ice cream certificate it’s common for them to be concerned at first.

“They think they are in trouble for sure, but once we talk to them and they find out they are getting free ice cream they are thrilled,” he said.

Partnering with the police on the program are John and Susan Fregoe, who own and operate the Hometown Cafe.

Susan said when they were approached about the program they were happy to oblige.

“It just seemed like a really good idea,” she said.

John agreed. He said that when giving to the community it always comes back. He said not only is the program positive for the children, but it’s also good for business.

“When you do something like this, people appreciate it. They support you. It always comes back,” he said.

The Fregoe’s, who are celebrating 30 years of operations this year, are accustomed to supporting the community.

On July 27 they’ll be hosting a car show and they hold weekly cruise-ins which often draw 60 or more classic cars.

They founded the Norwood holiday parade and during Covid-19 lock downs, John dressed up as Peter Rabbit and brought cheer to children Easter morning.

Although they don’t do any of it expecting credit, Chief Wells said the department was overdue in showing their appreciation.

Wells, Shutts and Sgt. Al Huckle dropped into the cafe on June 29 and rewarded them with a framed certificate of appreciation.

Wells and Shutts said their willingness to reward kids with free ice cream really helps the program thrive.