By Police1 Staff
It’s no secret that cops are constantly reaching out to the communities they serve. Sometimes, that community policing comes down to a judgment call at the scene of a crime. For this week’s ‘Trending Topics,’ we highlight five stories of cops who chose not to arrest suspects, and instead lent a helping hand.
 | Ky. cop buys baby formula for shoplifter’s child Officer was dispatched to a shoplifting complaint and found out that the suspect had been caught stealing baby formula. |
 | Ala. cop buys food for shoplifter trying to feed kids The shoplifter explained she had taken eggs to feed her children. |
 | Utah troopers drive 87-year-old mother to see gravely ill son Hitting a patrol car isn’t the best way to end a traffic stop, but it worked out for one 87-year-old Nevada woman rushing to see her ailing son. |
 | Fla. cop catches shoplifter, buys her groceries Officer: “I made the decision to buy her some groceries because arresting her wasn’t going to solve the problem with her children being hungry.” |
 | Instead of ticket, Mich. cop buys girl booster seat Officer who pulled over a vehicle because a 5-year-old girl wasn’t secured in a booster seat decided a ticket wouldn’t cut it. |