Aiken Department of Public Safety invited residents into their department home Saturday.
"We respond to your homes ... we wanted to invite you into our home," said Aiken Department of Public Safety Chief Charles Barranco.
Vehicle units were on display for visitors to sit in and ask questions about. SWAT team equipment also was available so people could get a feel for what the team does on a daily basis.
Fully geared, the vests worn by the team can reach 40 to 45 pounds, according to Sgt. Craig Burgess.
"Most of the items used were bought with grants," said Burgess.
K-9s Fox and Sandman were also at the open house to give demonstrations. The K-9s work closely with officers in scent detection and with school incidents.
"We are very involved in the schools," said Lt. Jake Mahoney. "These dogs do not search for people. They are narcotics only."
This event also was the debut for the department's new rehab unit.
The unit was obtained by the department at no cost because of a military surplus. This unit will be used for multiple purposes, according to Mahoney. One use is for firefighters who need a place to cool down during a fire.
"The unit was refurbished in-house," said Lt. Karl Odenthal. "They did a good job on it."
Mahoney said more refurbishments will still be made, but the unit is ready for calls.
The department also offered free child car seat checks. They compared the weight of the child and the weight of the car seat to determine the overall safety. Officers also checked for recalls on every car seat they examined.
Community organizations also attended to show their support for the open house.
Pastor T.J. Wise, of the Concerned Ministers Fellowship, said public safety is teaming up with the organization for an Out of School Extravaganza event set for June 13 at Perry Park.
Wise said they support the department because "they support us."
This is the first open house public safety has held. Barranco said he "hopes this will become an annual event."
Will Whaley is the crime and courts reporter for the Aiken Standard.