The town of Leland (NC) is looking into if the Adopt-a-Cop program is ethical. The program allows community members to give a note of encouragement to officers across the country.
Lauren Clarke said a thank you makes a big difference for her husband who works for the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.
“It’s really nice especially with all the negativity that you know you see especially on social media,” Clarke said.
She said Adopt-a-Cop changed that.
“He got his first little gift which was a cute little plaque, you know it said something about being a police officer. We have it hanging up in the house,” Clarke said.
She said the next anonymous gift was two movie tickets and a gift card, just in time for their daughter’s birthday.
“He got to take Lindsay out for her birthday,” Clarke said, who adds it was a rare occasion.
Leland Town Manager Davis Hollis said the program has been brought to them recently, and there is a question about ethics and state law.
“It’s a gift. It’s not a gratuity. It’s not a tip. It’s not a get out of jail free card. It’s just to let them know that what they’re doing, it makes their job worth while even though they really enjoy what they do,” Clarke said.
Hollis said he is still waiting to find out how the program fits into their policy, but said they do not plan on changing it or allowing the Adopt-a-Cop program in the police department.
Leland is the only agency is Southeastern North Carolina not allowed to participate in Adopt A Cop.