Cool acts could bring cool treats this summer. Thousand Oaks police are giving out coupons for a free icy drink to children they “catch” making a positive choice.

Operation Chill is expected to continue through the summer, until the department gives away all 1,000 coupons, said Sgt. Romano Bassi. The reward program began Memorial Day weekend

“(It’s) to teach the kids civic duty,” Bassi said “We’ve had good success with it.”

Children who receive an Operation Chill coupon can redeem it for a free icy drink at 7-Eleven. Bassi said he’s verified that every 7-Eleven store in Thousand Oaks will honor the coupon.

The 7-Eleven corporation developed the national Operation Chill program in 1995 to reward youngsters for good behavior, particularly during hot summer months. Since the program’s inception, the convenience-store corporation has given out more than

AN AMIABLE YOUTH—Newbury Park resident Joanna Alvarez, 9, receives a coupon for a free Slurpee from Dep. Brent Miller of the Thousand Oaks Police Department after she greeted him with a friendly wave. Miller was in the neighborhood on June 21 as part of Operation Chill, in which officers reward kids for doing good deeds or being a positive part of the community. WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers 11 million Operation Chill coupons to law enforcement agencies across the country where 7-Eleven stores operate.

The Texas-based corporation expects officers to hand out 1 million coupons this year.

Bassi didn’t know how long T.O. police have participated in Operation Chill. But he said it’s been at least since 1999, when he gave them out as a patrol officer.

A T.O. police officer on one of six beats throughout the city might hand an Operation Chill coupon to a child using the crosswalk, picking up trash, playing basketball or engaging in some other positive activity.

Bassi said officers enjoy giving the coupons to children because it’s an opportunity to interact in a positive way.

When an officer stops a child, the child’s initial reaction may be one of surprise and concern that they did something wrong. After all, children know police stop drivers for traffic violations and arrest suspects.

The officer likes seeing the look of relief and the smile on the children’s faces after he commends them for their good behavior and gives them an Operation Chill coupon, he said.

“It’s nice to try to erase that concept in their mind, if we can,” Bassi said of the image of police some children have. “Everyone loves the firemen, but the cops, it’s always, ‘Why are you talking to me?’

“It helps our morale—that it’s not always a negative contact.”