As part of their ongoing efforts to promote positive police interactions and inspire Hawaii Island children to consider careers in law enforcement, personnel from several divisions of Hawaii Police Department on June 21 participated in the Keaukaha Summer of Fun event at the Kawananakoa Gym in Hilo.
Fifty students ranging from kindergarten through seventh grade attended presentations from members of the police department’s Special Response Team, Area I Vice Section’s narcotic K-9 handlers, the Hilo Community Policing Section, and Community Relations.
Keiki got the opportunity to check out the department’s Special Response Team armored bearcat tactical vehicle, as well as operate the Special Response Team’s tactical robot. They also had the opportunity to go into a marked Interceptor Emergency Vehicle and operate the vehicle’s emergency lighting system, siren and P.A. system.
Students also got the opportunity to pet and interact with the department’s narcotic K-9s under the supervision of the K-9 handlers and watched the K-9s demonstrate their abilities.
Officers answered questions about their specific roles in law enforcement and promoted safety tips during the school summer break. Keiki IDs were also issued to all 50 students to further promote safety.
The Keaukaha Summer of Fun is one of many such events the department will be involved in throughout the year as officers continue to collaborate with various community organizations providing children with opportunities to have positive interactions with law enforcement.