DUI Mobile Educational Center

The DUI Mobile Educational Center is a 60-foot tractor trailer that transforms into a state-of-the-art interactive mini-museum on DUI prevention.  The objective of the center is to educate citizens, with a focus on middle and high school students, about the consequences of underage drinking and driving and/or riding with an impaired driver.  The center is intended to reduce alcohol related crash fatalities and increase public awareness of the dangers associated with DUI.  It can be utilized at various community events throughout unincorporated MDC.  Due to graphic material inside, the age group is intended for 12 years old and up.

A powerful sound system draws viewers inside where they can see an exhibit of alcohol-testing instruments.  Three TV monitors show videotaped accounts of DUI crashes from the MDC area, or special messages that schools or businesses supply.  There are touch screen monitors that depict crash statistics, the effects and hazards of both alcohol and drugs, and a drug identification guide.  To simulate the physical impairment resulting from too much alcohol, viewers can “walk the line” wearing the Fatal Vision Goggles.  This virtual-reality exercise mimics the kinds of spastic movement and lack of physical coordination experienced by being impaired.  The center also features the Fatal Vision Program, where viewers can have their photo taken and the computer program projects injuries onto their face to demonstrate the kinds of injuries that would be sustained if they were in a crash.  The photo can then be printed with a story of how the crash occurred and an explanation of the injuries and treatment.  All of the instructional aides demonstrate the effects and consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Organizations interested in booking the DUI Mobile Educational Center should contact Sergeant Lonny Allen at (305) 471-1751, or by e-mail at lrallen@mdpd.com. We require at least two weeks notice prior to your event.

Static Display Helicopter

The Static Display Helicopter (SDH) is a non-airworthy Bell 206L Jet Long Ranger III that was donated to the Department for the purpose of creating a mobile display helicopter.  Called “The Phoenix,” it has been on display at schools, parades, malls, and civic events.  When on location, the helicopter facilitates the delivery of crime prevention programs, and raises public knowledge and appreciation of police aviation.  It is believed to be the only one of its kind and has been deemed a tremendous success by the Department and the citizens of Miami-Dade County.  It is requested on an average of 200 times a year, mostly by schools, as a way of relating a personal safety and anti-drug message to the students.

Organizations interested in booking the SDH should contact Sergeant Joseph Bermudez at (305) 471-1745, or by e-mail at JBermudez@mdpd.com. We require at least two weeks notice prior to your event.