The Selma Police Department wants to show children that police officers are not as rough and mean as they sometimes appear on the surface.

Selma Police officer Tommy Weber said children sometimes encounter law enforcement officers under the worst of circumstances, which can create a fear of the very people they call for help.

As a way to promote a positive relationship between police officers and children, the Selma Police Department will host Cops and Kids Day this Saturday at Bloch Park.

Cops and Kids Day, held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., will be a time when families can enjoy free food, view the equipment used by those in law enforcement and local fire departments, and ask as many questions as they want.

Weber also said this year’s event would be the first time all the county and city departments will be combined into one place.

Other support personnel equipment on display Saturday will include the police motorcycles, K-9 Unit, mountain bikes, and weaponry.

Warren Hinson, public information officer for the Selma Police Department, said Cops and Kids Day will help promote community policing.

Several different games and demonstrations are also being planned for the afternoon, and officers are hoping to educate children that they are here to help.