This footage was filmed and produced 26 January 2024.On January 26, the Wheat Ridge Police Department commended the compassion exhibited by its officers in challenging situations. Despite the demanding nature of their work, officers consistently demonstrate empathy. A recent incident at the Safeway near 38th and Wadsworth highlights this commitment.During proactive patrol, an officer noticed a man entering the store wearing a heavy jacket and backpack. Suspicious of potential shoplifting, the officer confronted the man outside, where he admitted to stealing steaks. Striking a balance between justice and compassion, the officer issued a summons for the theft but also walked the man through the store, purchasing him a sandwich and a soda.
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00:00 I'm saying did you make a good decision and decide not to steal food?
00:04 Yeah, I was hungry today.
00:06 Okay, so did you take some food?
00:07 Yeah, I did.
00:08 Okay, where did you put it?
00:09 In my bag.
00:10 Okay, so let's go over here.
00:12 Okay, we're gonna have to get the back...
00:14 I want you to understand, I'm more than happy...
00:17 If you're hungry...
00:18 I'm hungry.
00:19 Okay, I'm more than happy to get you something.
00:21 Okay.
00:21 But we don't do that through the means of theft.
00:23 Okay.
00:23 Does that make sense?
00:24 I don't have any food stamps right now.
00:25 That's okay, I can help.
00:27 Okay.
00:27 Okay, so what did you take?
00:29 I took some meat from the meat department.
00:31 Okay, so why don't we go ahead...
00:33 We'll go ahead and go over...
00:34 Do you have any outstanding warrants for your arrest?
00:35 No, sir, nothing at all.
00:37 Okay, do you have a valid ID out of Colorado?
00:39 Yes, sir, I do.
00:40 Okay, so here's what I'd like to do.
00:42 Okay, we're gonna go ahead and go to the cashier.
00:45 We're gonna turn in that stuff.
00:46 Okay.
00:46 I'm gonna issue you a petty offense ticket, and you get to walk away.
00:50 Okay.
00:50 And then I'm gonna go ahead and get you some food.
00:52 Okay.
00:52 Does that sound good?
00:53 Yeah.
00:54 Okay, let's do that.
00:55 So, what do we think?
00:57 Do we want to get something already made?
01:00 Do you want something from Starbucks?
01:02 It's like a sandwich and a drink, if you'd buy me.
01:04 Okay.
01:05 Oh, perfect.
01:07 Pick out whatever sandwich you want.
01:09 Okay.
01:10 You got it, man.
01:11 Go ahead, you can...
01:12 If you want to leave, you can.
01:13 No big deal.
01:14 Thank you very much.
01:15 You bet. Have a wonderful day.
01:16 (audience laughing)