US: Cops to pose as c-store staff to prevent crimes

The Midland Police Department (MPD) in Texas will tackle increasing robbery incidents by deploying police officers at convenience stores, according to a press release.

The program called 'Cop in a Shop' is a partnership between MPD and local convenience stores, which lets undercover officers pose as c-store employees in order to prevent crime and catch criminals before they can run from the scene.

"The Midland Police Department is always looking for innovative ways to minimize crime in our community,” said Chief Price Robinson.

“After analyzing data and working with our local business owners, we see this as an opportunity to work together to bring down the number of robberies we’ve seen recently,” added Robinson.

MPD reported an average of 7.75 robberies per month in 2016, an increase from the average of 5 per month in 2015, stated the release.