The Baltimore County Police Department unveiled a new “mobile community center” that will provide neighborhood outreach and support and, ideally, improve officers’ relationships with the county’s younger residents.

The air-conditioned trailer unveiled Tuesday afternoon in Randallstown features couches, two TVs and PlayStation 5 consoles — a setup designed with kids in mind, said Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough.

“We wanted to create a safe and welcoming space where the children here in Baltimore County can connect, unwind and build positive relationships with each other and our officers,” he said

A third TV is stationed on one of the truck’s outer walls under an extendable awning. The other side features a basketball hoop and a baseball pitching training net.

“I live here in this community, so it always warms my heart to see kids when they get a chance to just be kids,” McCullough said in an interview. “All kids don’t have access to technology … games like this, so it’ll get kids that don’t normally have these gaming systems in their home the chance to play.”

The trailer is also equipped to function as a mobile crisis unit for field-based counseling, education and other services to county residents.

“This is vital to make sure we meet our residents where they live and offer as many forms of support as we can,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “Whether residents need counseling services, education about resisting drugs and gangs, mediation programs or even a space for young people to play games and build connections on a mobile community center, it’s here to help.”

It’s part of a larger effort to enhance Baltimore County’s community policing initiative to strengthen relationships between police and area residents.

“Baltimore County was a pioneer in community policing,” said Baltimore County Council Chair Mike Ertel. “We keep innovating … for our communities.

“It’s just another great way to touch people and help them.”

The mobile community center cost roughly $142,000 and was funded through the county’s share of American Rescue Plan Act funding.

The mobile community hub is already scheduled to make multiple appearances across the county. On Thursday, it will be at the county police headquarters for officers’ children. It’s also set to be stationed at an upcoming police department 5K race and police-run sports camps.

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