The Federal Way Police Department is continuing its efforts to reward youth for positive behavior.

Since it launched the the Positive Tickets Program in 2016, the department has given out about 1,400 tickets to local entertainment venues.

Under the program, officers have positive tickets they can hand out to youth who are “caught doing something good.” The positive tickets are issued to youth as a way of recognizing good behavior, good deeds and positive actions. The Positive Tickets are used as an innovative tool in a community-based outreach effort aimed at connecting with youth to build trust and, ultimately forge positive relationships between police and young people.

Examples of good behavior include playing a game of soccer in the park to wearing a seatbelt during a traffic stop or helping someone in need. If officers see the good behavior, they can issue a positive ticket.

The tickets are made available through community partners such as Wild Waves, The Commons Mall, Century Theaters, Federal Way Community Center, and Pattison’s West Skating Center. Each of the partners have committed to an ongoing donation of tickets that provide free admittance to movie, a day at Wild Waves, a skating session, or a swim or workout at the Community Center.

The Positive Ticket program was first pioneered a decade ago by Retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police Superintendent Ward Clapham. The idea started with a simple vision: cops catching kids for doing things right. This vision is based on the notion that police officers can prevent crime and human tragedy by helping point kids in the right direction by simply bonding with them and building a relationship of trust. By proactively identifying and recognizing the positive behavior of young people, police officers can become a community asset in the lives of young people.

“This initiative demonstrates an integrated approach of connecting with the youth in our community,” Federal Way Police Chief Andy Hwang said in a media release. “Young people feel valued when they are recognized for their positive behavior. This program also contributes to our Police Department’s stated Mission of Earning the Public’s Trust.”

For more information, email PostiveTickets@cityoffederalway.com.

Federal Way Police Deputy Chief Steve Neal accepts a donation of Wild Waves tickets for the Positive Ticket Program from Wild Waves General Manager Todd Suchan. Courtesy FWPD