Spokane Police Department Rewards Community Acts of Kindness

In Spokane, Washington, the sight of a police officer approaching with a citation book might not cause the usual sense of dread. Thanks to a new goodwill initiative, it might actually be a reason to smile. The Spokane Police Department is working to strengthen community relations by empowering its officers to issue “Kindness Citations” for positive actions, turning a simple interaction into a moment of recognition and support. At the heart of this effort is Officer Ed Richardson, a man whose presence is as large as his commitment to the people he serves.

An Alliance for Goodness

The program is a creative police community partnership with Kindness 911, a nonprofit dedicated to spreading goodwill. The concept is simple but powerful. Ten selected Spokane police officers, including Richardson, are equipped with these special citations. When they witness someone performing a selfless act, they issue a ticket. The recipient can then visit the Kindness 911 website, enter their citation number, and the nonprofit will make a donation to a partner charity on their behalf.

This unique charity donation program supports incredible organizations like the Ronald McDonald House, the Special Olympics, food banks, and a trauma intervention program. It’s a simple way to transform a single kind deed into a ripple of positive change. Richardson has already issued two citations: one to a local director for her work during Juneteenth and another to a group of women who brought sandwiches to the department. For him, it’s about connection. “This is the icebreaker, right?” Richardson said. “I am here to help you. Not here to consequence.”

Big Ed's Beat: More Than a Uniform

Long before the Kindness Citations, Reserve Officer Ed Richardson was already a well-known figure. At 6-foot-7, "Big Ed," as he’s known, has a knack for engaging with youth. He has spent years making inroads with kids in tough situations, building the kind of trust that has earned him over 30,000 followers on TikTok. On the platform, where he is known as a friendly TikTok cop, some followers call him “the only cop in Spokane I wouldn’t run from.”

This is no accident. Richardson, who grew up on the south side of Chicago, brings decades of experience working with young people to his role. He’s a firm believer in humanizing the badge. “We put this uniform on, and some think we become different people,” he shared. “I always say I don’t let the uniform change me. I’m still gonna be that same person who shows compassion.” For six years, he’s been handing out special wooden coins to kids, each inscribed with a cartoon of his face and the words, “A little progress each day adds up to big results.” It’s a personal touch that reinforces his message of hope and persistence.

A City-Wide Commitment to Connection

The Kindness Citations are part of a broader community policing strategy in Spokane aimed at rebuilding and strengthening police and public trust. The department has reinstated its Neighborhood Resource Officers program, assigning officers to specific areas to build rapport and deter crime through presence and familiarity. According to Officer Deanna Storch, this direct engagement helps prevent problems from festering.

Additionally, under Police Chief Kevin Hall, the department has launched dialogue training for officers who are assigned to protests and demonstrations. Their role is to communicate with organizers and ensure everyone can safely exercise their First Amendment rights. These community engagement strategies are all designed to break down barriers. Richardson acknowledges it’s an ongoing effort, especially when trust in law enforcement can feel fragile. “That (trust) barrier is still going to be there; we try to bring it down,” he said.

A Final Thought

The work of Officer Richardson and the Spokane Police Department is a powerful example of community policing in action. It shows that proactive policing isn’t just about stopping crime; it’s about building a safer, more connected community from the ground up. These efforts remind us that behind the badge are people dedicated to serving the community with empathy and respect. Here at We Love Police, we are proud to share these positive stories, and you can explore more articles about good cops making a difference on our site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the Kindness Citations in Spokane?

The Kindness Citations are part of a police outreach program in Spokane where officers issue special "tickets" to citizens for random acts of kindness. The program is a partnership with the nonprofit Kindness 911, which then makes a donation to a charity on the cited person's behalf.

2. Who is Officer Ed Richardson?

Officer Ed Richardson, known as "Big Ed," is a 6-foot-7 reserve officer with the Spokane Police Department. He is known for his extensive youth engagement programs and for using social media, including TikTok, to foster positive police and youth relations.

3. How does the Kindness 911 program work with police?

Kindness 911 partners with law enforcement agencies to spread goodwill. Officers are given citation cards to hand out for good deeds. The recipient enters the citation number on the nonprofit's website, and a donation is made to a partner charity, such as the Ronald McDonald House Charity or Special Olympics, in their honor.

4. What is community policing?

Community-oriented policing is a strategy that focuses on building ties and working closely with members of the community. As seen in Spokane, its goals include improving community safety, strengthening police and public trust, and encouraging collaboration to solve local problems.

5. Why is building trust between youth and police important?

Building trust is crucial for long-term public safety. When young people have positive relationships with law enforcement, they are more likely to see officers as allies, report crimes, and cooperate with police. Programs focused on youth and police help bridge gaps in perception and build mutual respect.

6. What other outreach does the Spokane Police Department do?

Besides the Kindness Citations, the Spokane law enforcement agency uses other community policing models. These include the Neighborhood Resource Officers program, which assigns officers to specific areas to build rapport, and Dialogue Officers, who are specially trained for police communication during public demonstrations.

7. What is on Officer Richardson's wooden coin?

For six years, Officer Richardson has given out a wooden coin that features a cartoon version of his face and the inspiring motto, "A little progress each day adds up to big results." It's a personal tool he uses for positive reinforcement, especially with young people.

Sources:

Story and Image Source: Spokane police officers are ramping up their citations – not for crimes, but acts of kindness | The Spokesman Review (Story by Alexandra Duggan and Image by Kathy Plonka)