Twenty drivers whose hearts may have sunk when they saw flashing lights in their rearview mirror last week quickly had them lifted. 

The Kennewick Police Department teamed up with HAPO Community Credit Union and the KPD Foundation to give out $100 gift cards to 20 motorists as part of the police department’s Positive Policing program, according to a release.  

The program aims to be a means for law enforcement officers to build and maintain positive relationships within the community. 

Patrol officers conducted traffic stops for various violations, and, instead of tickets, gave drivers each a gift card and traffic safety education. 

“It can be a difficult time of year for many, so it was great to see the gift cards bring big smiles to so many faces,” KPD said in a statement.