Police Officers Are Handing Out More Citations — But This Time, It’s For Good Deeds

June 25, 2025

In a refreshing twist on traditional policing, officers across the United States are ramping up citations — not for speeding or infractions, but for kindness.

Through a nonprofit called Kindness 911, law enforcement officers are recognizing everyday heroes with “kindness citations,” celebrating selfless acts instead of punishing bad behavior.

Police officers are giving out citations... for acts of kindness

Kindness 911 is a nonprofit support organization helping law enforcement and fire agencies connect more deeply with the communities they serve. Their mission? To spotlight individuals and groups making a genuine, positive impact — and to do it in a way that spreads even more good.

Here’s how it works: if an officer spots someone doing something kind — whether it’s helping a stranger or going out of their way to brighten someone’s day — they may issue a “Kindness Citation.” The recipient can go online to enter their citation number and share their story. Kindness 911 then features their act of kindness on social media and donates to a charity in their honor.

One heartwarming example comes from Deschutes County, Oregon, where Deputy Gregory responded to a unique call — an injured squirrel stunned in the middle of the road. Unable to leave her district to transport the animal to a wildlife hospital, she was approached by Susan and her son Sam, who were out walking a dog nearby.

Without hesitation, the pair offered to drive the squirrel more than 30 minutes to the rescue center. Their selfless compassion earned them a Kindness Citation — and a heartfelt thank-you from the deputy.

“It was wonderful to see the softer side of the police force!” Susan later said. “It made me want to spread more kindness.”

Kindness 911 on Facebook

Other recent citations include a grocery store worker who paid for a stranger’s food out of pocket, a custodian who lovingly cared for the office’s neglected plants on her own time, and a Dutch Bros coffee employee who went out of his way to greet every customer—human and animal alike—with joy and compassion. From coffee shop employees to hotel greeters, people across the country — and beyond — are being celebrated for making the world just a little bit better.

“We put this uniform on, and some think we become different people,” said Officer Ed Richardson of the Spokane Police Department, who proudly participates in the Kindness 911 program. “I always say I don’t let the uniform change me. I’m still gonna be that same person who shows compassion.”

In a time when headlines are often filled with conflict, Kindness 911 is a powerful reminder that acts of goodness are everywhere — and sometimes, they even come with a citation number.