Monday, 30 March 2026 - 10:06am

A glimpse of policing

1 min read

News article photos (4 items)

A police officer helping a young child put on their police safety helmet.
Close photo of police dog Xargus staring straight at the camera.
Children with a Ride Along clapper board.
A young child dressed up as a police officer and holding a colouring-in sheet.

Police in Hawke’s Bay opened their doors to give whānau and the public an insight into policing and show the opportunities of a career in Police.

Two open days were held a week apart – the first for Police whānau and the second for the general public – with both attracting large crowds.

The days included the opportunity to sit in a patrol car, meet a police dog and members of the Armed Offenders Squad and Police Search and Rescue, and find out more about a career in Police.

At the public open day there was a special appearance by the ‘cinema car' - the upcycled police vehicle that's been converted into a mini cinema screening the latest Police YouTube vlog ‘Ride Along’ and other recruitment reels.

Hawke’s Bay Area Commander Inspector Lincoln Sycamore says the family day was a great opportunity for Police families to learn more about where their loved ones worked, while the public open day gave the community a chance to connect with Police and learn a bit more about the different roles available within the service.

“Our staff loved interacting with everyone who came along," says Lincoln. "They’re proud of the job they do and to be able to share that with their family and the community is pretty special.”

Lincoln says it’s the first time an open day has been held at the Hastings Police Station for several years, but its success has ensured it won’t be the last.