The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is hosting its annual Cops and Kids event Saturday.
This will be the 14th year the department has put on the event to bring the community and law enforcement together. The event will be held in front of the sheriff’s office, 911 E. Musser St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission is free.
“The purpose is to draw youth, families and law enforcement together,” said coordinator Lisa Davis. “It is a combination of a safety fair and an open house so we can show our community our office and check out the equipment.”
The Sheriff’s Office will have demonstrations from the K9 unit, motor unit and SWAT. In addition, several community partners also will be there to provide activities and safety tips for youths and parents. There will be face painting, strawberry planting and more activities for kids.
The Kiwanis Club also will serve free hotdogs and beverages to attendees.
“There is something there for everyone,” Davis said.
“Sheriff Furlong ran on a platform that he wanted to have openness (with the community) and it’s a priority to work with youth.”
There also will be several new additions to the event, including new vendors, sponsors and a petting zoo.
Davis said community events like this have changed the atmosphere between law enforcement and youth in the community.
“When I first was hired there were no services for the community and the cops hated the kids and the kids hated them but that isn’t the way it is now,” Davis said. “It is important (to build that relationship) because we ask the kids to come to us to ask for help and we want them to feel comfortable and feel like they can come ask us for help.”
The community now looks forward to Cops and Kids every year.
“There are people that come every year and I know there are people who encourage others to come,” Davis said. “I have gotten such positive feedback. People get pretty excited every year.”
Davis said the fair is great for parents because it allows them to discover activities and programs for the summer to keep kids busy.
“If kids are kept busy in the summer it is shown to reduce juvenile crime,” Davis said.
But the event is fun for the youth and law enforcement alike.
“This is the event our guys step up and really shine,” Davis said. “...I think people should come out and have fun and interact with law enforcement and for parents to find out the positive things to get their kids involved.”
Musser Street between Pratt to Harbin avenues and the intersection of Harbin Avenue and Musser Street will be closed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the event.