Community enjoys sneak peek at Rotorua police station open day

Locals lining up to take a peak inside the Rotorua police station. Photo/supplied

Locals were able to take a peek behind the scenes of Rotorua's police station this weekend.

New Zealand Police hosted open days across the country, with Rotorua's held today from 10am to 12pm.

The open days allow the public to see first-hand the different aspects of policing in their community.

The open day included a station tour, a look into the armed offenders squad, police dogs, search and rescue, road policing, youth education, the criminal investigation branch and scene of crime officers.

Police staff were also on hand to give advice and information to anyone considering a career in policing.

Rotorua police area commander Inspector Anaru Pewhairangi said it was a great day with a wide variety of people from across the community going along.

He said it was a great day put together by the team and it was awesome to see children attending with their families.

"There were such positive people coming through, thanking us for what we do and how we do it. It made me feel good."

Carey Cockery said highlights for her at the open day included the police dogs and getting to see the armed offenders all dressed up.

"Everyone was so nice and helpful."

She decided to go to the open day out of general interest and thought it was good for children to see a positive side to the police force.

"My 3-year-old loved it and now wants to be a cop."

She said it was the first time they had gone and would definitely go again - "it was great fun, so would recommend".

Drew O'Connor, 12, and Rhys O'Connor, 8, with an armed offenders squad member. Photo/Supplied

Frances Turpie said her sons Drew, 12, and Rhys O'Connor, 8, loved seeing all the different police roles and, "of course the police dog was a hit, especially the puppy".

She said they enjoyed having a look in the paddy wagon, "I told them that was okay but only for today and not when they are older".

Turpie said they had never been to the Rotorua police station and thought it was great for the children to see all the different career opportunities available.

"Rhys walked away and said he'd like to be a policeman."