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The Department's Open House normally takes place each May, in order to coincide with National Police Week. Here's a recap of our 2008 event. ...
On Sunday, May 18, 2008, over 200 citizens visited the Vernon Hills police facility during the department's 13th annual Open House. This marked the first public viewing of the newly designed dispatch center and training facility. The weather was a perfect 70+ degrees, the sun was out, and everyone had a great time.
Some of the festivities included a demonstration by one of the Department's K-9 Units, Officer Vince Utter and his partner, Bullet. In addition, The Illinois State Police brought out their Seat Belt "Convincer" to show people how important it is to 'buckle up' and the MABAS Mobile Field Operations vehicle was on hand for viewing.
Inside were displays from N.I.P.A.S., the police Explorer Scouts, the Citizen's Police Academy, and Lake County Crime Stoppers. For the fifth consecutive year we also had demonstrations of the F.A.T.S. firearms training system. (F.A.T.S. is a laser equipped weapons training system that consists of shoot-don't shoot video scenarios.) Many of the visitors had a rare opportunity to try their hand at it.
Visting youths had a chance to color their own police button and have his/her photo taken in police uniform (thanks to a lifesize police officer photo). In addition to seeing a one-of-a-kind children's safety puppet show, youths also received plastic police badges as momentos of their visit. Naturally, all of the guests were able to see the many elements of the facility and meet many of the department's employees.
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