Traffic Stops By Caring Cops

With all of the protests taking place across the nation after the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, many people have become aware of the issues surrounding police brutality. Of course, many cops throughout the country do their jobs very well and handle tough situations appropriately. Yet, police forces seem to be on edge. Some want to make the clear statement that not all police should be viewed in a negative light. In fact, I came across a very uplifting video that made it impossible for me to be angry with all police. In Lowell, Michigan, a police officer named Scot VanSolkema pulled over many drivers for minor traffic violations (that they would almost never normally be stopped for). He slyly asked the drivers about their plans for holiday shopping, specifically about what gifts they had not yet crossed off their shopping lists.

As VanSolkema gathered information about the gifts, many "elves" listened in as the information was recounted. They rushed through a nearby store to pick up every item the drivers mentioned. Then, they hurried back to VanSolkema at the traffic stop before immediately dashing back to the store. Officer VanSolkema happily surprised the drivers with the gifts, and to say the least, the drivers were delighted. Many claimed that their "bad days turned into good days" after this simple act of giving. One of the drivers, Salvador Galeno, mentioned that his daughters wanted an Xbox One. VanSolkema, of course, surprised Galeno with the wonderful present. Galeno added that "he wouldn't have been able to afford such a big purchase."  VanSolkema and the Lowell Police Department gave him with the opportunity to provide his children with an amazing Christmas surprise.

Clearly, many police have good intentions. This video made it apparent that the Lowell Police Department is trying to develop stronger relationships with its citizens. There are obviously issues with some police procedures, as is evident through the deaths of both Eric Garner and Michael Brown. However, we can't ignore the good intentions of other police departments across the nation. Even if Lowell police intentionally released this video to shed a positive light on police during a difficult time, they are nonetheless giving back. More people, not just police, should get into the holiday spirit and start making people's days brighter. We should all learn a lesson from VanSolkema and the Lowell Police Department: turning someone's day from bad to good is as simple as wishing them a Merry Christmas.