The Dallas County Sheriff's Department received a donation Tuesday from Advance Auto Parts. The donation will allow deputies to hand out gift cards for some equipment issues instead of tickets.
"Vehicle compliance translates to safer roadways," Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown said. "That's why we're participating in this initiative."
Brown said deputies who see a problem like a broken headlight or taillight may now give the driver a $25 gift card to Advance Auto Parts instead of a ticket. She said the gift cards can help someone who might struggle to pay for a ticket or a repair.
"When I thought about this, it occurred to me most folks are under the impression when law enforcement issues citations it's a punitive measure," Brown said. "The truth is citations are issued in order to gain compliance for a regulation."
"With that $25 gift card, they can come fix their problem instead of getting a ticket," Advance Auto Parts Vice President of Operations Jason Guerra said. "I think that partnership fits so well. We're so happy to give back to the community and partner up with the Dallas County Sheriff's Department."
Guerra said the gift card can provide a long-term solution to an equipment issue someone might have. He said he sees similarities in the work Advance Auto Parts does and the work of law enforcement, saying a program like this can build more positive relationships.
"When we come across the community, it's usually not a good thing. They're coming in to buy parts, their brakes aren't working or their light bulbs are out, so it's not a good situation," Guerra said. "Similarly, with the Dallas County Sheriff's Department, when they pull somebody over, that's not a good situation."
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