Bradenton Police Department’s mobile command center was parked on the streets of a local neighborhood Tuesday to make their presence known, interact with kids and answer any questions people might have.

It’s a presence most of the people who live in this neighborhood only see when something bad happens. Tuesday, the Bradenton Police department took steps to change that.

Bradenton Police Chief, Melanie Bevan says them setting up on the 2200 block of 13th street west, was no coincidence. 

“We chose this area in particular because we received a lot of complaints on some prostitution activity and some drug usage and drug sales,” she said. “And we’re trying to send a pretty clear message that we’re not going to allow it.”

The chief said what better way to connect with the community than with the children? Officers gave children goodies and allowed them to see the inside of the command center.

Lisa Brownell, 13, says it’s a move in the right direction.

“It would keep all the bad people off the corners in the neighborhood and everything,” she said.

This effort brings comfort to Lisa’s mom Elena Salazar, who hopes this makes the neighborhood safer for her young kids.

“They see it. They’re interacting. And the police coming over and handing them treats and just kind of talking to them and reassuring them is very helpful for me,” she said.

The chief said this is just one of many efforts they plan to do in the city. And if Bradenton residents feel their neighborhood would benefit from an effort like this, they should contact the police department.

The fire department, utilities and public works workers were also on hand to answer questions the community may have.