Police out in force for open day

Maxwell Kusi Obodum • Published 3 Sep 2010 15:30

Share this

HELICOPTER search teams, drug sniffer dogs and forensics officers are just some of the highlights of the Thames Valley Police Force open day this weekend.

The annual event takes place in the Police Training Centre in Sulhamstead tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am-4pm and helps promote a greater understanding of how departments in the force work.

More than 4,000 people are expected to watch and take part in exhibitions and demonstrations.

Visitors can see how police take finger-prints and mug shots, prepare mounted horses and set dogs on the scent, plus see displays from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Extrication Team and firearms officers.

There will also be classic police cars, tractor rides, bouncy castle and face painting and a food court, hog roast, barbecue and a sandwich stall.

Organiser and retired police officer Ken Wells, said: “The open day started as a museum event, but has become more popular every year. This year we have expanded again and there will be more stands than ever. We will also be on-hand to show you our new social media channels and help people sign up. Throughout the day we will be issuing updates on Twitter to keep everyone up-to-date with all our displays.

“The museum will be open on the day and people will have the chance to see exhibits about our most high profile crimes, including the Great Train Robbery and the Hungerford shootings.

“I’ll also be on hand to give further information about the history of the Force and to answer as many questions on as many topics as possible.”

Chief Constable Sara Thornton, who will be opening the event, said: “The open day gives all our departments the chance to meet the public and explain how everyone at Thames Valley Police helps to keep the region safe. Every year has been great fun and it is a highlight of the calendar for me.”

Entrance costs £2.50 for adults, with under 16s going for free. Parking is free but on a first come first served rule.

See www.thamesvalley.police.uk/openday or the Thames Valley Police YouTube channel at: http://ow.ly/2xPli

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 03 Sep 10

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @rdgchronicle