Officer Buys Hat and Gloves for a Woman Caught Shoplifting

Officer Buys Hat and Gloves for a Woman Caught Shoplifting

On December 6, 2020, The La Crosse, Wisconsin Police Department applauded one of its officers for handling a potential shoplifter with "true compassion."

The incident was discovered during an audit by the officer’s supervisor in which they reviewed random body camera videos of incidents to which officers responded.
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[badkarma]

Some don’t need to be arrested, sometimes they just need a hand. This officer gets it, outstanding job!

[chriscerta]

Love that the cop said “ call us for help, we have resources. Not every contact has to be a bad thing” so true and this is a prime example

[juanjohnson]

man she looked so sad, defeated, embarrassed . We need more like him and I pray she is in a better place.

[heliumneonlights]

What an amazing man. His mom raised him well. Makes me so happy to see how polite and sincere some cops are.

[yusbielfernandez]

This is sad because, those were the only items she was stealing, not jewelry or alcohol. Some basic essentials for literal survival

[mkl]

It's not even about being a cop, it's about being a caring human being.

[TheHitman-]

That girl looks broken and sad and tired of the life she lives. I wish her a better future.

[alanweinman]

Helping someone in need is a blessing!!!! This police officer is a good person!!! Thank you for your good deed!!!

[realsies]

When I was homeless I got caught stealing cough medicine for my girlfriend at the time who was sick. The security booked me and let me go after a warning. He then gave me $20 from his own pocket so I could go buy the medication across the street. I'll never forget that guy. That act of compassion helped me to get better and do better. Sometimes people just need help but don't want to ask for it.

[cinramirez]

I hope this woman is doing well. Her eyes looked so sad. Broke my heart.

[AngelusFromHell]

She didn't try to steal alcohol, jewelry or money, but an hat and a pair of gloves. I have compassion for her and a lot of respect for the officer.

[Zxavioure]

That’s a terrible situation. Hat and gloves not TV’s & iPhones. Hope she finds her way. Outstanding job officer, may you be blessed 7 fold.

[dlwpb]

You can see this woman is close to rock bottom. There's a look of total defeat in her eyes during the interaction. No fake tears or emotions, just looks like someone that's been through a lot

[thickymcghee]

"Call us for help, we have resources. Not every contact has to be a bad thing" - That really hits you.

[TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Watching this gives you hope in humanity, what a generous and kind officer

[proxypat]

The calmness in his voice felt like…. Like understanding, pain, misery….. like he knows what she’s stealing are some basic things for survival and how she’s in a condition to not be able to support herself. He handled her in a gentle way along with a generous attitude. Great guy, respect for him and prayers for the lady, hope she sees better days.

[volitiveclover]

“every contact with us doesnt have to be a bad thing” heart melted

[FDguy]

$9.47 changed that woman’s life. She got an opportunity to see how police officers really need to treat people in need. I’m not saying that shoplifting is acceptable but there are certain circumstances where are you just can’t help but feel bad for the person and feel extremely grateful that a good hearted officer was dispatched among the others who may not have been so generous and forgiving. I have tremendous respect for this officer. It would’ve been an easy arrest for him but he instead went a different route that day.

[thelonewanderer]

it’s not easy to admit when you’re wrong, especially when you’re in her position. it makes me sad just seeing the pain in her eyes

[sarasweightlossjourney]

Literally in tears. After reading that she died. Back in January of this year. She was just trying to survive. She wasn't stealing shit to be an asshole. She was just trying to live and stay warm in this video. There's a difference in my opinion... When there are people that are stealing shit to the assholes or make money for themselves in a nasty way or for drugs that's different. But she was literally in this moment trying to stay warm and that makes this so much sadder in my opinion. I'm sure there will be people that won't think the same way, but it makes my heart sad