Free event fun for kids, informative for all

Carson City Sheriff's Office is hosting the eighth annual Cops & Kids Sheriff's Open House Saturday - a safety, crime and substance abuse awareness fair.

The event is from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Carson City Sheriff's Office, 911 E. Musser St.

According to Carson City Sheriff's DARE Office Lisa Davis, the open house was designed to build positive relationships between law enforcement, youth and citizens; increase awareness about ways to prevent crime, substance abuse, violence and gangs and allow children the opportunity to meet positive role models and participate in positive alternative activities.

This year's event is focused on increasing community awareness of local law enforcement programs to include the Sheriff's Office's Canine Unit, Motors Unit, the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws program, SWAT., Search and Rescue, Mounted Unit, Reserves, Volunteers in Police Service, Explorers, CSI Crime Lab, Evidence, Detention, Patrol, and DARE.

Additionally, said Davis, Sheriff Ken Furlong added to new programs recently to the department's list of prevention services:

• The Cops and Kids Community Prevention Program focuses primary efforts to address calling 911, child safety tips, bullying, cyber-bullying, sexting, as well as current drug trends.

• The 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.

Davis said parents also will be able to take home materials from the Take 25 Safety Campaign through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

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.

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

This event is partially funded by a Justice Assistance grant and the following sponsors: Grocery Outlet, Kemp's Fun Jumpers, Benson's Feed, Economy Speed Press and Dan Kimm Rock It Productions.

Also on hand will be Partnership Carson City, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada, The Western Nevada College 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," said Davis.

The event is free.

For more information call Lisa Davis at 887-2500 ext. 7809.