Cops and Kids Sheriff's Open House today in Carson City

By Lisa Davis
Carson City Sheriff’s Office will host the 8th Annual Cops and Kids Sheriff’s Open House safety, crime and substance abuse awareness fair today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, 911 E. Musser Street. Cops and Kids Sheriff’s Open House was started by Sheriff Ken Furlong as part of the community policing efforts implemented by his administration.

Cops and Kids Sheriffs Open House is designed to:
— Build positive relationships between law enforcement, youth and citizens;
— Increase awareness about ways to prevent crime, substance abuse, violence and gangs;
— Allow youth the opportunity to meet positive role models and participate in positive alternative activities.

To that end, this year Carson City Sheriff’s Office is focus on increasing community awareness of our local law enforcement programs — many of which are have received recognition and awards over the past several years. We encourage every citizen to visit with members of the Canine Unit, Motors, EUDL (underage drinking), S.W.A.T., Search and Rescue, Mounted Unit, Reserves, Volunteers in Police Service, Explorers, CSI Crime Lab, Evidence, Detention, Patrol, Cops and Kids Community Prevention & DARE.

Additionally, Sheriff Ken Furlong has added two new informational programs to our list of prevention services. First, Carson City Sheriff’s Office joined the National Child Safety Council to access some of the most current and up to date prevention and safety information, educational activities, and awareness supplies for a variety of issues which are paid for by donations from the community. The Cops and Kids Community Prevention Program focused primary efforts to address calling 911, child safety tips, bullying, cyber bullying, sexting, as well as current drug trends.

Second, materials from the Take 25 Safety Campaign through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) will be available to assist parents with talking to their children about safety. Take 25 provides free information is printed in English and Spanish includes safety tips for home, going to and from school, going out in public places, and on the Internet will be on hand and child identification kits.

“Interacting with youth gives them a sense of belonging and ownership both with the sheriff’s office and with the community. Youth follow our example, therefore this is the perfect time for divisions and departments to come together and model the integrity of law enforcement and public safety set forth in our ethics and Code of Conduct.

“As we continue to build positive relationships with our youth, it is important to realize the strength of bond established at very early ages," Sheriff Furlong said. "For a young boy or girl to be able to identify with an officer/deputy by first name, barriers are reduced and trust with confidence is built.”

This event started in an effort to give back to the community and is partially funded by a Justice Assistance Grant. It has grown and gained so much community support that sponsors stepped in to defray costs.

Grocery Outlet, Kemp’s Fun Jumpers, Benson’s Feed, Economy Speed Press and Dan Kimm Rock It Productions all donate or provide services at minimum cost.

The result is free activities to learn and have fun, free hot dogs and beverages while supplies last, and prizes for youth who complete many of the activities.

“These businesses give so much to make this event a success," said Undersheriff Steve Albertsen. "We are deeply gratified to have the same sponsors come together and consistently partner with their Sheriff’s Office.”

Additionally, the public can enjoy many hands-on activities from sheriff’s office employees, local agencies including the Partnership Carson City, Boys and Girls Club of Northern Nevada, Mentor Center, Ron Wood Family Resource Center, Victory Christian Center, and more. This is an excellent opportunity for parents to find out about summer youth activities available in Carson City.

Carson City Sheriff’s Office is continuing the tradition of building strong positive bonds between law enforcement, youth and the community. We hope you join us! For more information call Lisa Davis at (775) 887-2500 ext. 7809.