The Village of Pinecrest Police Department held its second annual open house on May 1 at the Pinecrest Police Station, 11555 S. Dixie Hwy.

Adults and children attending the open house where able to—among other things—step inside a Florida Highway Patrol armored tank, learn how detectives use computerized mug shot systems to catch criminals, and receive a tour through the police station.

"The open house is for the community," said Officer Paul Rivera, who coordinated the activities. "It’s an event in which residents—young and old—can become involved and can learn about their police department."

According to Rivera, the open house took approximately three months to put together. Officers from the Florida Highway Patrol, Miami-Dade Correctional Department and Pinecrest Police Department joined together to educate those who attended on such things as crime and auto theft prevention methods, domestic violence, the School Resource Officer Program, and the Police Explorer Program. Demonstrations by a Florida Highway Patrol K-9 and exhibitions of the LoJack Auto Recovery System and "Rhonda"—the new Pinecrest speed control smart radar trailer—were also on hand.

The open house, which lasted from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., consisted of presentations and exhibitions inside the Pinecrest Police Station and in the parking lot area. A crime scene scenario, free fingerprinting by Miami-Dade Correctional officers, demonstrations of the police mug shot system, and four display tables were available for guests inside the station. Outside of the station in the parking lot area there was a Florida Highway Patrol armored tank, a LoJack Representative, Pinecrest Police Bike Patrol officers, and both of Pinecrest’s radar trailers.

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