Christchurch Police station opens doors for National Open Day

Christchurch Central police station is opening its doors to give the public a behind-the-scenes look, as part of the first ever National Open Day on Saturday, June 14.

Canterbury district police are joining with their colleagues from all 12 Police Districts as well as the Royal NZ Police College for a "Come and Discover NZ Police" National Open Day.

District Commander Superintendent Gary Knowles says the Open Day is about giving people a better understanding of what a modern Police service looks like. "Policing has changed significantly in recent years," he says. "We want to show our community some of the new tools and methods we use to prevent crime and reduce offending.

"We are committed to a New Zealand where we can all be safe, and feel safe. We want the community to have the chance to see how we are working to achieve that"

The central station complex in St Asaph Street will be transformed for the open day, with a large marquee set up in the car park to house displays. The main station will also be open, with visitors able to take a close up look at the cell block, the Southern Communications 111 call centre, the firearms simulator, District Command Centre and other facilities.

Open Day coordinator, Senior Sergeant John Robinson, says there will be a huge variety of information and hands-on activities for people to see and try. "This will be a unique opportunity for people to get a close-up look at what policing is all about," he says.

"We will have police dogs on show - including some puppies, there will be police cars to sit in, the AOS guys will be around, our forensic specialists will be showing people what they do, and visitors can take a look at our firearms simulator as well.

"The keen ones can try their hand at part of the police physical competency test, or pit their speed against a police radar. There will be information about what keeping safe on the roads, and on we're doing in local communities, including our Neighbourhood Policing Teams.

"Other specialist groups like search and rescue, police negotiators, commercial vehicles, crash investigators and many other will also have displays.

"It's also a chance to chat with police officers about what they do, and for some maybe to find out about police recruiting. We will have a variety of giveaways and competitions for children as well."

The event is the first open day held in Christchurch since before the 2010-2011 earthquake sequence.

"We're delighted to be able to show people our new, modern transitional police station - it's very different from the old Hereford street building," says Senior Sergeant Robinson.

"We will also have information on display about the new Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct - which we will be moving into in a few years time.

“We encourage anyone to come and have a look - bring the family along, there will be plenty to see and do.”

People can also engage with NZ Police online, learn about the range of work Police is involved in and find information about Open Day events taking place around the country via www.police.govt.nz/openday.

· NZ Police Open Day - Christchurch event

· Saturday 14 June

· 10.00am to 2.00pm

· Christchurch Central police station, 68 St Asaph Street (entry off Antigua Street)

ENDS

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