On Saturday, I took Beau to Cops & Kids, an inaugural community event that was held at Balfour Park in Spokane Valley. Cops & Kids boasted inflatables, games, food trucks, a car show, and—of course—law enforcement fun.

The Spokane Valley Police Department brought tools, vehicles, personnel, and more for attendees to view and engage with. I wanted to share a few of the things that Beau liked best…

The department’s SWAT vehicle was on display and Beau wasted no time climbing in the back. Inside was a police officer who patiently answered all of my son’s questions. Most of them dealt with the equipment inside.

Beau hanging out in a Spokane Valley Police Department SWAT vehicle at the Cops & Kids event.

Beau also met a SVPD K-9. Of course, Beau asked the officer about the function of the muzzle but I had questions, too. I asked about the dog’s training, length of service, and attack methods. These dogs do more than just jump on suspects—they bite them. But the officer I was speaking to stressed that the K-9 isn’t used for minor criminals but for those bad guys who pose a real threat to others. The dog will subdue the suspect by biting the arm, thus giving officers time to move in for the arrest.

Beau meets a Spokane Valley Police Department K-9 at the Cops & Kids event.

The helicopter definitely stood out at Balfour Park. We missed its landing and takeoff but seeing it up close was still pretty cool. They were allowing people to jump inside the cockpit but it was such a hot day that we refrained.

Beau poses in front of a Spokane Valley Police helicopter at the Cops & Kids event.

What interested Beau the most, however, was the drones! Yes, I used the plural form. SVPD brought a regular-sized drone and a mini drone. The latter is used to actually enter buildings and residences. The officer I talked to indicated that his primary responsibility with the department is to solely fly drones. The demonstrations were super cool as the video feed from the drone was projected onto a large screen in the back of a squad car.

Beau looks at a Spokane Valley Police drone at the Cops & Kids event.

Thank you to the Spokane Valley Police Department for playing such a big role in the Cops & Kids event! Your access and service are both appreciated. Don’t Blink.