Open-Air MiniStations Open-Air MiniStations are highly-visible picnic-table-and-chair sets that serve as outdoor, portable police facilities for the Metropolitan Police Department. The MiniStations are temporarily placed in different communities for varying periods of time so the MPDC can deter criminal activity and better serve residents and visitors. The MiniStations serve two main purposes: To let drug dealers, gang members, and other criminals know that illegal activity will not be tolerated in the community To help law-abiding residents with information and assistance for building a safe and healthy neighborhood The Open-Air MiniStations are staffed by MPDC officers from the police district where the MiniStation is located. In some instances, reserve officers will help staff the facilities. Bicycle and foot patrols will often support the officers assigned to the MiniStation. At each Open-Air MiniStation you can: File a police report Provide information to the police about crime and disorder problems in your neighborhood Obtain crime prevention information on how to protect yourself, your family. and your community Get information on other District of Columbia programs and services Meet your neighbors and the police in a safe and friendly setting By taking advantage of the Open-Air MiniStation, you help to build a positive community presence in your neighborhood. For more information about the Open-Air MiniStations, or to request that a MiniStation be placed in your neighborhood, contact your local police district.