SJPD secret Santas hand out cash instead of traffic tickets | News [Video]

(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Some secret Santas hit the streets of St. Joseph Monday morning, but instead of sleigh bells, it was sirens that people were hearing.

For the second year, SJPD gave out cash instead of citations to unsuspecting residents.

“The story gained some legs after last year,” said SJPD Chief Paul Luster. “To have people proactively reach out to me and say, ‘I want to be part of that’ just goes to show how much the community supports what we’re doing as a police department and how much the community recognizes that there’s a need there.”

After word got out last year, local businesses and community members were inspired by the story and donated around $4,000.

Monday morning, three officers were chosen to give out $900 each.

“I think this is just as good for the officers as it is for the community, and it gives them a chance …