No matter what way you look at a situation, shoplifting is a crime, and the partaker has to be reprimanded, it's the law.
Sometimes though when we hear of individual cases we're shocked by circumstances and our heartstrings tug a little, but the law is still the law, there's a reason it needs to be enforced.
So when an officer was called to a store to reprimand a mum for shoplifting, we knew she was going to be issued a 'criminal citation for theft'.
Mum had completed her shopping in the store, but when she got to the cash register she realised she couldn't afford the diapers in her basket for her son, taking them with her regardless.
But when Officer Johns arrived to diffuse the situation, he noticed the toddler with his mum, and his heart tugged at the act of desperation.
Not wanting the youngster to suffer because of his mum's actions, the officer purchased the diapers, so the family would not have to do without.
The Laurel Police Department, where Officer Johns is stationed, said: "We'd like to take a moment to thank Officer Johns for not just fairly enforcing the law, but also showing empathy to an innocent child put in a difficult situation."
Sometimes we undervalue the work of our police force, well done to Officer Johns, for such a wonderful act of kindness.
