Apex Police Department Turns Thanksgiving into Dashcam Comedy
- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Apex Police Department Lights Up Thanksgiving with Dashcam Prank
On Thanksgiving Day, the Apex Police Department (APD) pulled off a light‑hearted stunt that has already gone viral on social media. In a dashcam‑captured video posted to the department’s official Facebook page, an officer pretends to be “The Turkey of Apex” and delivers a humorous holiday greeting to unsuspecting motorists. The clip, which blends the department’s commitment to transparency with a playful spirit, has quickly become one of the most shared police‑community videos of the year.
The Prank in Action
The video opens with a typical late‑afternoon patrol in downtown Apex. An APD cruiser is cruising down Main Street when the dashcam footage suddenly switches to a close‑up of Officer “Jenna” Hart, a veteran with the department since 2015. Instead of a standard “Happy Thanksgiving,” Hart, donning a bright orange “turkey hat” and a cheeky grin, says, “Gobble‑Gobble, folks! Enjoy your feast!” Her voice is pitched higher than usual, and her eyes crinkle with mirth. The camera captures her walking out of the patrol vehicle, walking backward along the curb, and waving a plastic turkey‑shaped baton.
The video ends with a text overlay that reads, “Happy Thanksgiving from the Apex Police Department! May your turkey be juicy and your gravy less sticky. #TurkeyPrank #ApexPride.” The clip is under one minute long but is packed with a sense of community camaraderie that resonates with the department’s mission to keep local residents feeling safe and connected.
Why APD Chose a Dashcam Prank
APD officials explain that the dashcam prank is part of a broader strategy to humanize law enforcement and foster a positive relationship with the city’s 30,000 residents. “We’ve been sharing dashcam footage for years to demonstrate transparency and the day‑to‑day realities of policing,” said Officer Hart in a brief interview. “This Thanksgiving prank is a small but meaningful way to remind people that we’re not just officers on the beat – we’re also neighbors who celebrate with you.”
The department has a robust online presence, with the Facebook page alone boasting over 28,000 likes. It frequently posts footage of routine traffic stops, community outreach events, and emergency responses. A link in the article (https://abc11.com/post/apex-police-department-shares-funny-thanksgiving-greeting-dashcam-prank/18213835/) directs readers to the full video and a short commentary by the APD’s Social Media Coordinator, who emphasizes the importance of a “police culture that embraces humor.”
Community Response
The video quickly spread across social media, garnering more than 2,000 likes and 500 shares within the first 48 hours. Comments on the Facebook post range from delighted appreciation to playful ribbing. One commenter wrote, “Who knew police could be so goofy? Thank you, Officer Hart!” Another joked, “I’m going to show this to my mom. She’s going to think we’re actually delivering a turkey.”
Local businesses and community groups also jumped on the bandwagon. The Apex Chamber of Commerce shared the clip on its Instagram stories, tagging the APD and adding, “Apex Police: Keeping our streets safe and fun!” A nearby farm stand, “Gravy & Grains,” posted a photo of its own turkey hat, captioning it “We’re ready to serve you. #TurkeyTime.”
Behind the Scenes
The prank was organized by APD’s Community Outreach Unit, which has a history of engaging residents through creative events. The unit’s lead, Officer Marcus Lee, noted that the idea for the “turkey” persona came from a recent internal brainstorming session about holiday outreach. “We wanted something that would resonate on a personal level—especially with families celebrating Thanksgiving in Apex,” Lee said.
According to the article, the department used an off‑duty officer’s volunteer time to set up the prank. They also ensured that the dashcam footage was edited for privacy before posting, masking any license plates or faces that might identify other motorists. This compliance with privacy policies underscores the department’s dedication to transparency while respecting individual rights.
A Legacy of Dashcam Transparency
The APD’s use of dashcam videos is not new. In 2023, the department posted a dramatic footage of a high‑speed chase that ended peacefully, prompting praise from civil‑rights groups for their commitment to open policing. In another instance, APD shared a heartwarming video of an officer giving a free pizza to a school bus driver, illustrating the department’s willingness to share more than just crime footage.
The Thanksgiving prank continues that tradition, offering a reminder that law enforcement can also serve as a source of joy and shared cultural moments. By bridging the gap between public service and community life, the Apex Police Department sets an example that other departments might follow.
Looking Ahead
APD has indicated that the dashcam prank may become an annual tradition. “We’re already brainstorming next year’s holiday—maybe a Christmas‑themed surprise or a New Year’s toast,” Officer Hart hinted. For now, residents of Apex can look forward to a dashcam‑captured turkey greeting that proves the police force can be both protective and playful.
If you’d like to watch the full video, click the link provided by ABC11 and join in the festive spirit. Whether you’re a long‑time resident or a newcomer to the city, the video offers a glimpse into how local law enforcement is weaving humor into the fabric of community life.
Read the Full WTVD Article at:
[ https://abc11.com/post/apex-police-department-shares-funny-thanksgiving-greeting-dashcam-prank/18213835/ ]