Whanganui Police overwhelmed with public interest in open day

Whanganui Police are thrilled with the huge response to their first-ever police station open day and hope they may have some new recruits lined up.

Senior Constable Tanya Ross said they had expected about 1000 people would attend over the four hours the Bell St station was open to the publicyesterday.

"But in the first hour-and-a-half we had 1000 people through," Ms Ross said.

"We had over 2000 people through during the day. Obviously the good weather, heavy advertising and chance to see inside the station got people out. There were a lot of children with their families - it was a big family day."

The armed offenders squad and police dog displays were popular and people enjoyed the traffic section where they could get in a police car and turn on the siren.

"They also liked being able to walk inside the Whanganui prison truck and see the compartments. The police cells were a huge interest and going through the police station."

Ms Ross said there was "huge interest" in the recruitment display.

"It was really busy and we collected names and details on the recruitment list which we'll send off to our recruitment people in Wellington."

Neighbourhood Support Group and Victim Support talked to visitors about their services and Wanganui Community Patrol assisted police staff throughout the day and also cooked the sausage sizzle.

"It was amazing - we had a really good day," Ms Ross said.

"Everything was positive and people were interested in seeing what it looks like inside the station. It's the first time we've had the doors open for this sort of thing and it's going to be an annual event."

All 24-hour police stations throughout New Zealand held open days yesterday.

Five-year-old Luca Williams checks out some of police officer Joel Martin's gear.

Harvey Burke, 10, is all smiles as he hangs out with officer Joel Martin at the open day.

The police open day was great fun for 3-year-old Elvin Bartel.

Constable Kiaya Banks shows Sophie Burgess (6) and Ryleigh Burgess (9) the inside of a traffic section car.

People enjoyed the opportunity to look inside police cars and turn on the siren.

Three-year-old Wyatt Houlahan and dad Josh Houlahan check out a patrol car.

Harper Houlahan (6) was one of many children who enjoyed the police open day with their family.

Police officer Trevor Scarrow shows 9-year-old Sol Ericsson a compartment in the prison truck.

The police open day attracted people of all ages.