A peek inside the police station

MORE than 1,000 people were given an insight into the way Warrington is policed when a special open day was held at the town’s police station.
Families flocked to the Arpley Street station and were able to explore the site, wandering around the historic building and viewing the many displays put on show for the day.
Chief Supt Gary Finchett said: “The open day was a great success and it was really encouraging to see so many people turning up on the day and taking an interest in their local police service.
“Visitors had the chance to chat to local officers about the valuable work that they are carrying out in the local community and were given the opportunity to wander around parts of the police station.
“We were keen to open the doors of the police station to members of the public to show them what we do and how we do it – and there were lots of positive comments from people who were excited about the fact that they had been given a sneak peek behind the scenes.”
One of the most popular exhibits of the day was the old Victorian cells and the police museum. This little gem is not normally open to the public but visitors were allowed to wander round the museum and were given a fascinating insight into how policing has changed over the years.
The museum houses some impressive policing memorabilia including Victorian uniforms, medals, old photographs and a special recreation of a 1970s CID office.
Some visitors turned up hoping to find out more information about a relative who had been previously been a member of the force while others brought along their own old photographs.
Peter Wroe, curator of the museum, said: “We had plenty of families looking for details of previous members of the force and these are being followed up for them. People were also very good and brought photographs and copies of their own searches of family history for us – so that all enhances our own service record for the future.”
Visitors were also able to watch “mock” trials in action at the Magistrates’ Court, which is in the same building, and had the chance to meet local magistrates.
There were also displays by drugs dogs, a forensic display by a Crime Scene Investigator and displays by the road policing unit, the tutor unit and the Special Constabulary.
A wide range of police vehicles and equipment was on display – including police bikes and a classic police car. There were also a number of stands staffed by police officers, police staff and representatives from partner agencies – including the Safer Warrington and Safer Halton Partnerships and local firefighters.
Children were kept entertained throughout the day with a variety of activities including face painting and a climbing wall.
Sergeant Neil Drum, who helped to organise the event, said: “This was a great opportunity for people who live, work and visit Warrington and Halton to see how Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers, members of the Special Constabulary and police staff work together to make people safe and feel safe. Judging by the comments in the visitor book everyone really enjoyed the day. Hopefully it will now become a permanent feature in the calendar.”