Sergeant Curtis Hargett with the Warren County Sheriff's Office in Kentucky can't say when it started, but somewhere over the last few years the good guys all started getting reputations as the bad guys.
"Even before the last couple of years and how bad things have gotten we all know it could be our day anyday," the 31-year-old said.
For a man who has seen law enforcement as a calling it's been tough.
"It's stressful, it takes a toll on your body, it takes a toll on your family," Sgt. Hargett said about the shift in climate he's noticed over the last few years.
Even his boss, Sheriff Jerry "Peanuts" Gaines sees it.
"All the shootings and killings going on, we've had a rough time getting recruits now," the Sheriff said.
But after getting an anonymous $10,000 donation, the Sheriff decided to send Sgt. Hargett and other deputies under cover.
"Here count that, we keep a count of the money and where we go with it," the Sheriff said as he handed Sgt. Hargett a stack of $100 bills
Police officers run from the word profiling, but his assignment this Friday, two weeks before Christmas, was to profile those in need.
"Can I see your license," Sgt. Hargett told one driver he pulled over on a Bowling Green side street.
As he returned to his car to write out a warning, he scribbled out an explanation for the ticket: Merry Christmas.
He folded up the paper sealed with a $100 bill inside and watched as unsuspecting drivers unwrapped the gift.
"If you want to open that I'll explain what's going on," he told Michelle Valesaques who has been living pay check to pay check.
As the young mother saw the $100 she was being given, she broke down in tears.
"It's not every day you receive money from police, normally you have to pay money," she explained with tears running down her face.
The reaction was usually the same, sometimes Sgt. Hargett even got a gift in return.
"Thank you! Thank you!" one driver said as she wrapped her arms around Sgt. Hargett.
"At a time when law enforcement can be criticized and ridiculed, to do something like this is a breath of fresh air," Sgt. Hargett said.
Santa may need a sleigh to deliver joy around the world, but all Sgt. Hargett needed was a Chevy Tahoe and some hundred dollar bills.
