This Cop Has Been Handing Out Ice Cream to Bad Drivers

On a whole, America hasn't been terribly pleased with the actions of some of its police departments in the past couple of years. There was Michael, Freddie, Eric, and Sandra, to name a few… and that's not to elaborate here on the outrage associated with each of their deaths. Except, that is, that all involved the controversial actions of cops. Many civilians are worried, angry, distrustful towards officers in uniform.

So now, when you're pulled over, do you park on the side of the road as quickly and politely as possible, produce your license and registration, and keep your hands where the cop can see them? Floor it and try to lose the police car in a flurry of traffic and speedy turns? Feel your eyes roll to the back of your head at the thought of the expensive ticket you're likely about to incur?

You are likely anticipating a conversation that won't go in your favor. Not, say, the hand-off of a cup of frozen custard.

But one police officer in Georgia has been doing just that.

Instead of tickets, Officer Ed Smith of the Warner Robins Police Department issued traffic law violators with mere warnings … and with Dairy Queen Blizzards.

But this wasn't just a renegade cop trying to practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty, as the bumper-sticker saying goes. The frozen-dessert-gifting spree was part of a campaign for #MiracleTreatDay, during which one dollar from every Dairy Queen Blizzard sold is donated to Children's Miracle Networks Hospitals.

Ofc. Ed Smith getting ready to Traffic Stops for Blizzards #MiracleTreatDay @miracletreatday pic.twitter.com/3AO1RFNW6h

— Warner Robins Police (@WarnerRobinsPD) July 30, 2015

"Most of them were in complete disbelief," Smith told TODAY.com. "One girl's face, it was worth a thousand words. She thought she was in a lot of trouble."

Which is understandable, since legally, Smith could only pull over drivers who were actually breaking the law. But these weren't hardened criminals or individuals under Megan's Law—it was the light stuff: failure to use a turn signal, broken headlights, risky lane changes.

Needless to say, the would-be ticketees were delighted. Yeah, the whole thing is a little cheesy, but it's also pretty sweet.