IMPD Gives Back During Ho Ho 5-0

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Metro Police Officers are handing out $20,000 in gift cards to people this week during a new program called HO HO 5-0.

On a rainy Monday morning, IMPD Officer Tamara Harper cruised the streets of a far-eastside neighborhood playing Santa. Harper is one of a team of officers handing out $100 Visa gift cards to unsuspecting people. She says the spirit of giving helps spread goodwill.

"We’re trying to be more community related so it’s not just us versus them but working together, it’s a huge thing,"  Harper said.

Officer Harper stopped a driver near 42nd Street and Franklin Road after the license number comes back suspended. Jon White Jr. was driving his sister’s car to get a busted windshield fixed when his secret Santa pulled him over.

"I thought I was about to get my first ticket, and I get my first gift card. It’s crazy," White said. "This is my first gift card to have, ever."

The holiday cheer is possible thanks to an anonymous Indy businessman. He hopes his donation inspires other business owners to work with IMPD to build relationships like the one between Harper and White.

"Oh man, I got to tell everybody about this," White said.