7-Eleven also will officially launch [image-nocss] its Operation Chill program at the event by providing 3,000 free Slurpee coupons as an incentive for positive behavior among young people. Each year, the convenience chain donates approximately 1 million coupons to U.S. law enforcement agencies, that in turn use them to "ticket" children and teens they see exhibiting positive behavior, such as obeying school crossing rules, using proper bicycle safety gear, deterring crime or participating in community or volunteer activities.
The PCNC open house and Operation Chill kickoff was at the store franchised by franchisee Yoonsoo Han. Wrightstown Mayor Thomas Harper; State Police Captain Frank McVey, commander of Troop C, Region 2; Sergeant 1st Class Scott Jiras, commander; Sgt. 1st Class John Beyers, assistant commander of the Bordentown station; Trooper Raymond Guzzi of the Community Policing Unit; and, from 7-Eleven, market manager Jeff Reeder, field consultant Daniel Carey and asset protection specialist Tom Cerwas were expected to attend.
As part of the presentation, 7-Eleven is donating $711 to the Fort Dix Boy Scout Troop No. 34.
Located in a former videogame room inside the store, the new PCNC is equipped with a desk and chair, desktop computer, phone line, printer and fax dedicated for police use. 7-Eleven covers all utility expenses. In this relaxed environment, troopers can complete paperwork and make phone calls during their shifts as well as distribute crime-prevention literature and talk with residents in the neighborhoods they patrol.
"This 7 Eleven mini-substation and the Operation Chill Slurpee coupons enhance our existing community policing programs and give our officers another opportunity to interact with local citizens' of all ages," said Jiras.
"Community policing is one of the most effective crime prevention tools we have," he added. "We want to encourage residents to talk to officers and help be their eyes and ears in their neighborhood. The Fort Dix Street 7-Eleven provides an informal, non-threatening environment for people to make contact with troopers and build positive relationships in the community."
Another way to build positive relationships is with free food. During the celebration, attendees and visitors enjoyed refreshments of Slurpee drinks, fresh-made sandwiches and donuts that are delivered to the store every day.
"We have had tremendous success with our community police workstations in other cities," said Reeder. "Officers on the beat tell us they are often so busy on patrol, they are not able to dedicate sufficient resources to prevention. Community policing centers allow them more time on the meet with citizens who are key to addressing the causes of crime in our neighborhoods."
State troopers from the Bordentown Station conducted a child-safety seat detail, which included assistance with installation and inspections of child-safety seats. For community members in need, two seats will be given away by the officers.
Operation Chill was developed by 7-Eleven to positively reward and encourage good behavior by youth during the hot summer months, often accompanied by increases in loitering, shoplifting and graffiti. The coupons also support law enforcement agencies' own community relations projects. Since its inception in 1996, more than 10 million coupons have been distributed to hundreds of law enforcement agencies in the areas where 7-Eleven operates stores.
"The coupons are great for officers who are on patrol in the community," said Cerwas. "It's an icebreaker, a way to encourage dialogue in a non law-enforcement situation. 7-Eleven is a leader in crime prevention, and we are very pleased with the success that both these programs have had over the years."
Dallas-based 7 Eleven Inc. operates franchises or licenses more than 8,100 7-Eleven stores in North America. Globally, 7-Eleven operates franchises or licenses close to 37,500 stores in 16 countries. During 2008, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of more than $53.7 billion.
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