Celebrate law enforcement at exhibition in Vernon Hills

The Vernon Hills Police Department will host its 13th annual Law Enforcement Exhibition Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 9 and 10, at Hawthorn Mall.

The event offers an opportunity for residents to interact with representatives from several different law enforcement and related agencies and see specialty vehicles, equipment and demonstrations.

Twenty-eight area law enforcement and related agencies are scheduled to participate. Displays will include squad cars, motorcycles, a Humvee and a 9-1-1 calling simulator. There will also be free handouts and giveaways.

Police exhibits will be available for public viewing the entire weekend during mall hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The Illinois Freemasons are scheduled to be on hand to supply detailed identification kits for children, including fingerprints, photos and video interviews.

One of the highlights of the weekend are the many police dog demonstrations. Units from the Lake County Sheriff's Office, Mundelein Police Department and Metropolitan Enforcement Group are scheduled to conduct demonstrations with the assistance of Tops Kennel in Grayslake. Demonstrations are scheduled for 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday.

"The exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for us to regenerate public interest in the positive aspects of police work," said event coordinator Kim Christenson. "It's fun and educational for everyone, regardless of age."

Additional information, including a list of participating agencies and a schedule of planned events, can be found at vhpd.com.

For questions, call (847) 247-4889.