On Sunday, December 2, hundreds of guests visited Harlow police station to learn more about what officers do.

A police spokesperson said:

“At the open day, our traffic officers spoke to a number of children, gave them road safety advice and invited them to try on their police kit and explore their police cars and motorbikes.

“Our Dog Section showed off their four-legged friends who help protect the county including Police Dog Kane who enjoyed the attention.

Our crime scene investigators showed children how to gather evidence and take fingerprints from pretend crime scenes. Some children took their fingerprint samples home as keyrings to show their friends at school.

Special operations officers showed visitors how they use drones to help search for missing people and suspects.

Our public order officers and firearms officers showed children how they deal with difficult situations and let them try on their uniform (see photos).

Harlow Community Policing Team spoke to residents about their policing questions and provided them with crime prevention advice for the winter.

Our detectives, PCSOs, Special Constables, student officers and Volunteer Police Cadets spoke to visitors about their experiences and roles. The Volunteer Police Cadets also paired up with ‘Free Cakes For Kids’, a Harlow-based charity, to bake cakes and cookies to raise money for Harlow Stroke Association and Prince Alexandra Hospital. Together they raised a total of £175.20.

Our Essex Police Museum curator showed visitors historical items and spoke about the history of policing.

PC Emily Cross from Loughton Local Policing Team said: “I’ve really enjoyed the open day as it gives us the chance to speak to the public about any concerns or policing questions they have.

“It’s fun to be able to let the children get involved and learn that as police officers, we’re here to help them.”

Sergeant Rob Fitt who organised the open day said: “It’s great to be able to speak to the public and to listen and answer their questions. It’s good to be able to show them what we do as a police force to help keep them safe.”