Some elementary school students got a show and tell exhibit from the future courtesy of the Gainesville Police Department.

Meet Christy Cop. The latest tool in crime prevention for the Gainesville Police Department. Christy made her debut in police uniform and on her tricycle in front of students at Duval Elementary School.

Christy was purchased through stimulus funds at a cost of $7,800. The police robot will be used as an educational tool to discuss crime prevention and public safety tips.

Christy is remote controlled. Her movements and voice are controlled with a headset worn by a police officer hidden out of site. And, these tools aren't popular just with the little kids.

Corporal Audrey Mazucca says it's important to target younger audiences where the robotic cop can have the biggest impact.

"It's just a different way to deliver our crime prevention messages," Mazucca said. "It just makes the message more memorable when you're talking to a character."

Character or not, Gainesville are hoping to reduce the risk of crime by increasing its awareness.