An estimated 4,000 people took the opportunity to look behind the scenes at Sutton Police Station when its doors opened to the public on Sunday, 18 September.
Many visitors got the chance to see inside the custody suite of 30 cells and charging counter where prisoners are brought having been arrested.
The police control room was on show too. This hosts the borough’s CCTV system with its wall of monitors displaying images from the 100+ cameras around the borough. The monitors are staffed by Met Police trained operators 24/7 to deter and detect crime.
In addition, Trading Standards were explaining how to avoid doorstep and telephone scams whilst PC Heath Keogh talked to residents about the borough’s LEAD initiative which encourages responsible dog ownership whilst tackling anti-social and inconsiderate behaviour by individuals with dogs in a way that reassures the public.
Yesteryear policing was also on show with old police uniforms and memorabilia and vehicles from the Met’s historic vehicle fleet. Children queued up to sit on a modern day police motorbike and inside a fast response police traffic car.
Sutton’s award-winning cadets gave drill demonstrations on the top floor of the car park watched by many dozens of people.
Inspector Kathy Morteo, who organised the Open Day, said she was thrilled that so many people came along to see how officers are working hard to continue to make Sutton a low crime borough and one of the safest boroughs in London.
“People were enjoying themselves and having a good time chatting to officers – and that’s what our open days are all about,” she said. She thanked the Met Police Special officers and Police volunteers for their help and support on the day.
Two visitors took the trouble to contact police post event to say how enjoyable the day had been.
One man said: “It was a fascinating insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes, much appreciated. Well done to all the staff and cadets involved.”
Another praised the event for being so well-organised. “Pulling so many different aspects together could not have been easy, but the day seemed to go really well and the visitors clearly enjoyed themselves,” he said.
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