Ontario Provincial Police kicked off police week by showcasing what they use to fight crime in Lakeshore.
Several officers camped out in the Sobeys parking lot on Amy Croft Dr. and County Road 22 to interact with the community.
Police week technically begins Sunday, but the OPP had boats, ATV's, patrol cars and other emergency response vehicles on display Saturday.
(Photo by AM800's Gord Bacon)
Officers from multiple units took some time out of their day to explain a little bit about what they do to residents while they enjoyed a free snack.
Elizabeth Bastien's sons couldn't get enough of the vehicles, even the ones that might not necessarily be in service.
(Photo by AM800's Gord Bacon)
The Leamington native says it's a good thing when police and the community can interact in a more relaxed environment.
"It does bring a lot of information to the community, it brings awareness and it really just allows people to interact with police on a very positive level," says Bastien.
Constable Jim Root says it's a great way to jumpstart police week in Windsor-Essex.
"We're out here in Lakeshore, on the border of Tecumseh, with most of our resources and just sort of educating the public as to the resources that we do have. Letting the kids come out and have some fun and see some of the cooler things we have to offer," he says.
Lakeshore residents giving an OPP patrol bike a look with officers for police week at Sobeys Saturday. #cklw pic.twitter.com/ReaY0HlUVN
— Gord Bacon (@baconAM800) May 13, 2017
Root says getting people more involved with policing and building a relationship makes communities safer for everyone.
"We need the community to take part in policing itself and to take more of an active part with a relationship like that. The community and the police, it can only make our municipalities safer," says Root. "People need to know they can call us whenever they see something suspicious. Don't be afraid to call for any reason, we will check it out."
Root says there will be more events through Windsor-Essex all week.
Police week ends Saturday May 20.