Cops were responding to a public indecency call — but ended up taking the suspect shopping instead
We’re always going to come across problems or issues but how we deal with them is more important than witnessing them. The City of Atlanta Police Department shared how Officer Nguyen and his trainee, Officer Y. Prophete received a call about an indecent man. When they arrived on the scene, they confronted the man. After letting him know that he couldn’t be on the streets dressed that way, the man revealed something that completely changed the trajectory of the situation. Instead of dealing with the matter involving legalities, the officers stepped in and took the man shopping.
Footage captures the officers arriving in their car and looking at the situation at hand. “Upon arrival, the officers observed a male wearing ill-fitted clothing that exposed his body parts,” the caption of the post read. Reportedly, the people who spotted the man decided to make the “indecency” 911 call. When they informed the man that his clothing was inappropriate, he told them that he’d “go downtown” and try to get something better. However, the officers noted that it was too far for him to go around like that. “We need you to do something right now. I can’t keep getting calls like this about you,” Officer Nguyen said.
Unfortunately, the suspect didn’t have any other clothing on him and that’s when the officers decided to pull off something humanitarian. “Recognizing that the issue could be better addressed with empathy rather than police action, Officer Nguyen made an in-the-moment decision to purchase clothes and shoes for the male,” the caption revealed. He asked if he’d like to accompany him to Walmart. He then went into the store and purchased a pair of clothing and shoes for the man. Furthermore, when the cashier asked him about the size, he let them know that it was for the stranger and added, “I’m just trying to do the best I can.”
Once he changed into his new clothing and felt dignified and grateful, the officer explained to him that he couldn’t roam around like that since there were schools and homes nearby. “Once the mild-mannered and grateful man was fully dressed in his new shirt, pants and shoes, he was on his way, and the officers drove off to wait for the next call. Newly sworn officer Prophete had a different kind of training day, witnessing what it means to be an APD officer in real time,” the post revealed. The officer exhibited more than skill that day; he showed compassion, kindness and generosity. More than being an officer, he displayed what it means to be human.
“This interaction between Officer J. Nguyen, Field Training Officer and a man in clothes that were too small to cover his entire body, shines a bright light on what it means to be human first,” the post added. Vicki Smith Morris said, “Thank you for showing compassion to this man. We may never know how your small act of kindness affected his life.” Judith Simon Hallums remarked, “Thank you for helping this man. That was such a kind thing for you to do. May your kindness be returned 3-fold!”
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