Be nice in La Porte and you might get a free meal

LA PORTE, TX -- The next time a police officer approaches you in La Porte, you may just walk away with a free dinner.

The police department just launched the new initiative, "Do Right Thing," made possible by an anonymous donation. Sgt. John Krueger explained that the idea is simple. Police should recognize citizens who step up and make a positive contribution.

"They actually asked the department if we would use the funds they were donating to increase positive interaction between police and citizens," said Sgt. Krueger. "The reality is most police interaction with citizens unfortunately ends up being a negative scenario."

He explained officers received gift cards bought by the anonymous gift and donated by local restaurants. Officers can now give them out to people who they feel went above and beyond. Sgt. Krueger stressed no one will be pulled over. There will be no flashing lights or sirens.

Local restaurants including Main 101, Gringo's, King's BBQ, Southern Komfort Kitchen, Chili's, Pipeline Grill, El Ranchero, Las Hadas, and Mainly Drinks backed the idea.

Heather McKeon with Gringo's said it's a "no-brainer" in terms of supporting.

"It's a win-win scenario," said McKeon. "We've got a positive effect for law enforcement and a positive for Gringo's."

The department plans to review the program after 90 days. If it proves successful, they want to continue it all year long.