ITHACA, N.Y. — The doors of the Ithaca Police Department will open to the public next Saturday for an open house.
At the event, visitors can take tours, learn about K-9 Bert and Rex, the IPD Explorers Program, the SWAT and CINT teams and the mountain bike patrol unit. The recruiting team will also be there to provide information on the upcoming police officer civil service exam.
In a statement, Acting Police Chief Pete Tyler said he is thrilled to open the doors of the department to the public.
“We’ve got so many great police officers doing so many great things in this community,” Tyler said. “Folks are going to get a firsthand look at the people and the resources that help to keep our community safe. I personally look forward to meeting each visitor and (sic) discussing the services we provide and learning how we can enhance those services. The people who live, work, and learn in this community are our greatest asset, and as the leader of this police department I am committed to listening folks and addressing their concerns. It has never been more important for every IPD police officer to intently listen to the concerns of the very people we serve and protect, and then effect change from what we learn. This Open House provides a great opportunity for those conversations to happen.”
In the news release, Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick added, “The Ithaca Police Department continues to set the gold standard for community engagement. Acting Chief Tyler and his staff are committed to engaging the Ithaca community to effect constructive change. This Open House will help to build trust, establish a sense of understanding, and strengthen relationships within the Ithaca community. Folks deserve to know what the Ithaca Police Department is doing and how and why there are doing what they do, as much as practical. This Open House is a unique opportunity to learn what the Ithaca Police Department does to help maintain Ithaca as a vibrant and safe place to work, live, and learn.”
The open house will take place rain or shine from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at Ithaca Police Headquarters, 120 E. Clinton St., Ithaca. Light refreshments will be available.
Featured image: First open house at the Ithaca Police Department in 2015. Jolene Almendarez/Ithaca Voice