Come on in - it's Open Day

Police is inviting the public to discover more about what we do.

Ten-year-old LeBron Tuala-Fata, one of the faces of the Open Day poster campaign, with Constable Loletta Hunt-Tevaga at Kilbirnie Police Station, Wellington. Photo: Christopher Johnston, Public Affairs

Commissioner Mike Bush wants to build on very successful open days run by Areas and Districts in the past with the first "national" Police open day. "This will be the first time New Zealand Police has opened its doors to the public on a national scale," says Mike. On Saturday 14 June some police stations will open their doors to the public, inviting people in to meet staff and gain an understanding of New Zealand's modern, open and accessible Police service. Elsewhere, staff will run community events and demonstrations of police work in the field. These events will be complemented by an online open day involving virtual tours and a national Police tweetathon.

"Policing has evolved," says Mike. "We'd like to show members of the public some of the new tools and methods we use to prevent crime, reduce offending and keep our communities safe.

"We've improved the technology available to frontline Police by issuing over 13,000 smartphones and tablets, getting our staff out of stations and making them more mobile, accessible and productive than ever before.

"The new way we work aims to prevent crime before it happens, ultimately making New Zealand a safer place to live, work and visit."

Work is still under way in Districts to arrange open day events, which will be publicised through the Police website.

It has been suggested events could include demonstrations by Neighbourhood Policing Teams or Armed Offenders Squads, or of capability such as mobility devices.

Other suggestions include station and cell tours, guided visits to District Command Centres, photo
opportunities with police vehicles or equipment, ride-alongs, recruitment displays and car crash displays.

"This is an exciting time for New Zealand Police. We are committed to a New Zealand where we can all be safe, and feel safe," says Mike.

"We need the help of our communities to make this happen. We encourage people to come along and see for themselves."