Christchurch Police are opening doors to the public on Saturday 1 November, 10am - 4pm.
"As far back as any of us can remember we have never had an open day at Central, as it is a very busy working station," says Sergeant Andrea Mather, organiser. "Christchurch Central is the second busiest police station in the country."
"Obviously we can't open all doors as the station will still remain working," she says. "The public will be walked through an area of the watch house and a cell block but there will be displays and exhibitions to show all the various aspects of police work."
Police sections involved include Dogs, AOS, SOCO (scene of Crime) CIB- crime scenes, Finger printing, photography, recruiting, traffic and other groups and organizations which work closely with Police such as DARE and Blue Light. There are 24 police groups and 6 groups from external partners providing displays, demonstrations and activities for the public. There will be a working Police Communications Centre, and Fire and Ambulance displays.
Sergeant Mather says that given the experience of other recent open days around the country, in excess of 10,000 visitors are expected.
"We hope that a lot of people take advantage of the opportunity to see inside the police station - on their terms! It's also an opportunity to see how police work and the great range and diversity of the work police do. There will be recruitment advisers on hand for anyone who wants information on how to join."
Hereford Street outside the Central Police Station between will be closed from 6am - 6pm on Saturday 1 November to allow displays to be set up.
The public going into Central will be asked for a gold coin donation with Victim Support and Neighbourhood Support the benefactors. Both organizations work in close partnership with the Police.