Law enforcement expo in Vernon Hills
The Vernon Hills Police Department will host its 8th Annual Law Enforcement Exhibition Sept. 8 and 9 at the Westfield Hawthorn Mall.
The purpose of this event is for area law enforcement and related agencies to gather in one location for people to see specialty vehicles, equipment and demonstrations and to interact with officers. It is also used as a public education and recruitment tool by the police.
On display will be specialty vehicles such as a 6-wheel ATV, a Hummer, a Crime Scene vehicle, motorcycles and police bicycle units, as well as some surprises.
An interactive alcohol and tobacco display will be run by the Niles Police Department. Some of the other interactive displays include a 911 simulator, “Drunk Goggles” and Thermal Imaging.
Other activities include:
Ÿ Police K9 demonstrations throughout the weekend are at noon, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday on the lower level in front of the Victoria’s Secret Life is Pink store, half way between Sears and the center court.
Ÿ A police helicopter will land at 2 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot outside of Sears (between Sears and Qdoba on Route 60) and will stay for about 60 minutes.
Ÿ The Illinois Freemasons will supply detailed identification kits for children, including fingerprints, photos and video interviews (lower level next to the children’s play area — next to Auntie Annie’s Pretzels).
“The Expo is an opportunity for us to showcase the positive aspects of police work,” said event coordinator officer Sharon Joseph. “There’s so much more to what we do than what you see on television. We want people to come out and see what it’s really like — ask us questions, see some of our equipment, get to know us better.”
Mall hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9. Westfield Hawthorn is at 122 Hawthorn Center, routes 60 and 21, Vernon Hills.
Police exhibits will be available for public viewing during the entire weekend. There will also be plenty of free handouts and giveaways.
Visit www.VHPD.com under the tab “Upcoming Events” to see a listing of all the participating agencies or call (847) 247-4889.