Police host inaugural open house and bike rodeo

BIRMINGHAM — For the first time, the Birmingham Police Department will be holding an open house event 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, July 29. The community is invited to join the Police Department in the parking lot behind Birmingham City Hall, 151 Martin St., to participate in fun activities and meet local officers.

“We wanted to find a way to engage with our community,” Community Resource Officer Gina Moody said. “It’s been difficult with COVID for officers to do community policing activities. We thought this would be a great way to draw everyone in to get a chance to meet us and see what we can provide to the community.”

This event is designed for all ages. While there are several kid-oriented activities, there are some other opportunities for adults, such as the drunken driving simulator and a dunk tank.

At this event, people of all ages have the opportunity to have an inside look at what the Birmingham Police Department does. People will get to see an evidence technician demonstration and vehicle display, as well as learn about the Adopt a Senior program, the Oakland Community Health Network, Comfort Canine/Therapy Dogs, the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad and Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Drone Team.

Audience members also have the opportunity to watch a simulated vehicle extrication demonstration by the Birmingham Fire Department.

At the open house, the public can find a Birmingham staff member for assistance with prescription drug dropoff and to receive free gun safety locks.

“It is a good opportunity for adults and kids to ask officers questions that they might have,” Moody said.

There will also be a bike rodeo for kids throughout the event, to share the importance of bicycle safety.

Moody said there will be different stations and different activities for participating children to ride their bikes through.

The open house is occurring at the same time as the Day On The Town in downtown Birmingham. This community event encourages the public to shop locally in stores and on the streets and sidewalks of downtown.

“The Day On The Town is a great draw for the community, and there are so many things to do downtown,” Moody said. “With us being so close to that event, we thought it would be easier to do the open house at the same time, in hopes that more people would notice we have an event going on and come down and join us.”

This Birmingham Shopping District event runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. More information on the Day On The Town can be found at allinbirmingham.com/dayonthetown.

“We are thrilled to have the Police Department open house happening during Day On The Town,” Birmingham Shopping District Public Relations and Marketing Specialist Erika Bassett said. “It’s a great opportunity for the community to not only interact with our businesses, but also the men and women that serve our community each and every day, keeping downtown Birmingham safe and running smoothly.”

To learn more about the police open house, contact Moody at gmoody@bhamgov.org.