Friends and family are welcome to a Glendale city event where they can delve into DNA analysis and fingerprinting, meet a K-9 unit, check out a drone in action and get a taste of what it’s like to work in law enforcement.

Heroes Regional Park Library, in partnership with the Glendale Police Department, plays host to the Junior CSI Academy from noon to 2 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the library, 6075 N. 83^rd Ave.

Participants will have the opportunity to investigate, educate and “graduate” in the field of forensic science at this free, indoor event with some spillover on the library’s patio and parking lot.

Glendale forensic technicians will share how they collect DNA samples using green paint so participants can see how DNA easily spreads to many locations. Attendees’ fingerprints will be taken to show how these help police agencies identify suspects, victims and other people who touched a surface at a crime scene.

Children and adults can use their critical thinking skills to solve a mock crime.

“My master plan is teaching kids to have a love for science, a love for the library, using law enforcement as a driver into their hearts because they’re going to come back,” Glendale Police Sgt. Jeff Daukas stated in a press release. “It’s also a great way for kids to see officers in a different way.”

Visitors can meet a K-9 unit and SWAT Team, and crawl through the SWAT Team’s truck, to learn about how they serve the community. Coloring books and stickers will be given away to children.

Participants can see related library books to check out on chemistry, forensic science and biology.

“Children who come to this event are just absolutely mesmerized when they see police officers in uniforms,” stated Alexandra Rowland, supervising librarian at Heroes Regional Park Library. “They are community heroes. Junior CSI Academy builds bonds among families, as well.”

Those who complete the mock crime scene investigation receive certificates.

Visit Police Department Calendar - City of Glendale (glendaleaz.com)