The Bear Den went out to the Police Station tonight….that’s what!
You take the Bears to the Police Department!
Yup! It was an outing setup by one of our Den Leaders. The boys had a great time. We saw everything except the jail and the intake. It was a great tour of the facility and what the Police do. The Officer who led us around talked about all the things that should not be done.
The boys were able to see the Toxi-screen where DUI’s were confirmed, fingerprinting area, holding areas, Squad Room, Pistol Range, Patrol Cars and everything in between.
I think that one of the good things that happened was that the Officer took the boys into the Street Crimes area and showed and told them what happens in there. There were pictures that showed what drugs were taken and money from busts. The boys asked very good questions about drugs and what do to. While we have talks at home, this was a very good location and setting for this type of talk. I was impressed.
During the time in the squad room where the Officers start their shift, a lot of Q&A happened. Along with what to do and what not to do. The boys got to try on the riot helmet and jacket. All the equipment that police use on a daily basis was covered. 
Our tour guide also helped the boys understand what to do in case of an emergency, what an emergency is and how to stay safe.
One of the highlights for me is when the Officer showed how to restrain someone. Of course he picked the Cubmaster’s kid. There were many subtle chuckles among the parents. Good choice.
It was a great outing for the boys and the parents. We have had several outings over the past two and half years with the boys. It is these types of outings that really help them understand the world around them. It also helped them understand what respect is and that there are dangers in the world that they need to understand on how to respond. But, they learned while having fun!
