We went to the city police station on a field trip recently. It was interesting to wander around the old bank building that had been converted to a police station.

This is the small holding cell used when they can’t take a prisoner to the county jail right away.

It’s small and without windows. Right next to it, a small bit is visible in the photo, is the police dog’s kennel. It’s where the narcotics sniffing dog stays when he is on duty and at the police station.

The inside of the building was fairly unexciting but then we went outside and the fun began.

Here are the unclaimed stolen bikes awaiting auction.

Here is the D.A.R.E. car that was confiscated from a drug dealer and put to good use.

The children got to see the insides of a police car. They could see all the radios, radars and other equipment up close and personal.

Here the Chief shows us a Spike Strip or Tire Deflation Device. It flattens tires and stops the bad guys in their tracks.

We were able to climb into the bullet proof SWAT vehicle.

Then the Police Chief and an uniformed officer show us what each officer has to carry and wear while on duty.

The Chief spent time answering questions. He stated that a police officer uses advanced reading comprehension, writing and math skills daily. He also answered questions about the Day Time Curfew ordinance and gang activity.

It was a fun, informative time.