Thank you ideas for NYPD officers who helped me get my iPhone back?

August 28, 2013 8:06 PM

You guys, it was cray: I reported a stolen iPhone to the police this morning, and they actually helped me get it back! There was even a sting operation involving plain clothes officers. Any ideas about how I can express my thanks to the sergeant? A simple thank you card, or something better?? Thanks!
posted by jessca84 to Human Relations (12 answers total)

A thank you note to the Sargent and a note to the precinct captain thanking him and naming names of those that helped. It will go in their file. It is a good thing. Maybe a plate of homemade cookies for the boys at the station too.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:10 PM on August 28, 2013 [12 favorites]

Cronuts is the only answer
posted by oceanjesse at 8:20 PM on August 28, 2013 [6 favorites]

A thank you note is great. I wrote a note for an officer that helped my husband and his commander wrote me back to say a copy was going in his personnel file. It helps to be a little descriptive I think--Officer X is great because of example, example and example.

I think any kind of sweeties would be appreciated!
posted by dottiechang at 8:48 PM on August 28, 2013 [2 favorites]

The thank you note, as dottiechang described, and what about making a donation to the Widows and Children fund?
posted by Catch at 8:55 PM on August 28, 2013 [2 favorites]

It's food.

Admittedly, I'm not in NY, but I've been on dozens of ride-alongs for work, and these guys are always eating.

Send them some craft-based donut-y things, and they'll always have your back.
posted by Sphinx at 9:01 PM on August 28, 2013

What JohnnyGunn said but maybe a cc to your favorite media outlet and I would say give a purchased, packaged food item if you are giving food.
posted by InkaLomax at 5:37 AM on August 29, 2013

Food, letters and a shout out in social media! Twitter. It might go viral.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 5:48 AM on August 29, 2013 [1 favorite]

I'll Nth that a note to him and up his chain of command would likely be a rare and appreciated measure. It can make the difference when it comes to commendations and promotions. As a career paramedic, I'm accustomed to the fact that my "best work" seldom receives much notice, so when a patient follows up to express gratitude, it makes my day.
posted by itstheclamsname at 5:51 AM on August 29, 2013 [1 favorite]

Don't send donuts. Cops are very sensitive to the cops & donuts thing. Other baked good are fine. That said, do we really need to thank professionals for doing their jobs? From what I can tell, nobody went above and beyond their job descriptions.
posted by Pineapplicious at 6:46 AM on August 29, 2013 [1 favorite]

I'm a nurse, and although every day I'm just "doing my job", it's really nice to feel appreciated. When a patient or family thanks me for what I've done, it feels great! We often get food from patients and we act like we've never eaten before...it's that exciting. Do what you feel comfortable with, but I think a little note and food is totally appropriate.
posted by fresh-rn at 7:20 AM on August 29, 2013 [3 favorites]

Note to him, note to his supervisor thanking him for doing such a great job.

Bring food, cops love food, but as mentioned above, make it something prepackaged or have it delivered from a local restaurant. The risk of poisoning is real, and cops these days are less willing to eat homemade goods than they used to be.

Depending on what your neighborhood is like, you can also buy them a beer in advance at the local bar.
posted by corb at 7:35 AM on August 29, 2013

Gift card to a good local coffee shop. And mention your appreciation to their supervisor if possible.
posted by St. Peepsburg at 8:59 AM on August 29, 2013