POLICE HOLDING 1ST OPEN HOUSE MAY 20
Event another way department attempting to strengthen community ties
Ferndale police are inviting residents to the police station for a closer look at the facility and the officers that work in the community.
The event, from 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 20, is the first of what will be an annual event at Ferndale’s police station.
Ferndale Police Chief Dennis Emmi said in a statement he looks forward to the upcoming open house.
“The public can tour the police department and check out not only police cars, but fire trucks and DPW equipment as well,” he said. “But the part I’m looking forward to the most is chatting with residents in an informal setting. This is really the best way to build trust (and) I think it’s going to be fun.”
Michigan State Police and the Oakland County Sheriff’s SWAT vehicle will also be on hand, said Ferndale police Community and Engagement Officer Jillian Mahlmeister.
“People can get a look behind the scenes at the station,” she said. “And we’ll have ice cream and hot dog food trucks serving complimentary snacks.”
Oakland County Parks and Recreation is providing a mobile rock climbing wall for the event.
Attendees can visit inside the station and get a look at the dispatch, booking and lockup areas while officers are on the job.
Part of the reason for starting the annual event is to give residents and families a better understanding of police work.
“Sometimes people don’t recognize that police are also everyday citizens like them, doing difficult things and multitasking, “Mahlmeister said. “This is a chance for them to see the human side of it.”
Residents can also get tours of the different types of police vehicles.
Each October, Ferndale police also conduct a four-week Citizens Academy for residents who may want to get a deeper look into their hometown police department.
Citizen Academy participants get an inside look at everything from studying old case investigations to evidence and other work that officers do in the department.
Residents get hands-on information on different aspects of police work, including operations, enforcement, patrol, investigations, SWAT, and department policies.
Ferndale officers, attorneys, judges and others take part in teaching those who sign up for the Citizens Academy.
The open house is another way police in Ferndale are trying to build stronger ties and communication with residents, Mahlmeister said.
“Outside of getting a traffic ticket, many people don’t interact with police,” she said. “This is a way to interact in a positive setting.”
Mahlmeister and other officers have also visited schools to do readings and interact as children, and done tours of the police station for school group functions and the Boy Scouts.
“We’re hoping for a good turnout at our open house and the opportunity to meet some of our residents,” she said.