HPD Officer Augusto Diaz issues “Sweet Scoop Citations” to two Hopkinton High School students who were playing basketball. PHOTO/HOPKINTON POLICE

Hopkinton Police Chief Joseph Bennett on Tuesday dished a scoop about a new department initiative that rewards kids performing acts of kindness in the community with ice cream vouchers redeemable at local shops.

“Operation Sweet Rewards” began this week, according to Bennett. It was spearheaded by Officer Augusto Diaz and will run until Sept. 3. This is the first time the department has run a program of this type.

“This program is a fun way for our officers to engage positively with kids in the community who are displaying good behavior,” Bennett said. “We will be on the lookout for any opportunities to give out these vouchers.”

He also thanked the owners of The Spoonery and Hop-Yo “for their generosity and partnership.”

Officers will be handing out “Sweet Scoops Citations” to children in Hopkinton they observe doing things like helping a friend, showing kindness and being responsible citizens. Kids who receive these vouchers from officers will be able to redeem them for a free small ice cream at The Spoonery, located at 1 Lumber Street, or at Hop-Yo, located at 36 Main Street.

Some of the actions that merit a voucher include children wearing helmets while riding bikes; playing outside; throwing away and picking up trash; being involved in community events; and supporting their community, family and neighbors.

“We [have] look[ed] forward to starting this initiative and encouraging positive relationships between youth in the community and our officers,” Diaz said.

He kicked off this initiative by awarding “Sweet Scoop Citations” to two Hopkinton High School students he observed playing basketball earlier this week.

Diaz also thanked HPD dispatcher Robert Savolt “for his artistic contributions to this campaign” by designing the vouchers.