The open day takes place at the Thames Valley Police training centre (Sulhamstead, Reading, RG7 4DU) tomorrow, Saturday 2nd August,) between 10am- 4pm.
This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more exhibits to see and activities to take part in as well as displays from departments including the dog section, the mounted section, and Berkshire Search and Rescue dogs. The new police puppies will also be on parade around Sulhamstead’s grounds and you can tour the dog section kennels.
As well as seeing what our animal police friends are capable of, visitors will be able to look around the high speed vehicles used by roads policing, solve a crime scene with the Crime Scene Investigation Unit, climb aboard the police boat with specialist search and rescue, tour the police helicopter with the pilots who fly it from the National Police Air Service, get through a maze using a police radio with operators from the control room department; and hear a talk from the firearms team about the dangers replica weapons.
If you’ve still got any energy left after all that, there are over 50 police departments and external agencies taking part in the day, including the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, various search and rescue charities, the Chiltern Air Ambulance Trust, and Crimestoppers.
There will be a display of classic police cars from Police Car UK and a memorial service to Thames Valley officers who lost their lives in WWI, as well as talks about what policing was like 100 years ago. The Museum is re-introducing into public view three artefacts relating both to the extraordinary career of Supt Thomas Dunham (Bucks Constabulary) and the grisly Denham murder that took place on 22 May 1870, in which the entire Marshall family were brutally murdered. The re-introduction of these artefacts will be complemented by a talk provided by Neil Watson, who is a leading authority on both Supt Dunham and the Denham murders.
This year Thames Valley Police will be supporting two charities, Berkshire Women’s Aid and Barnardo’s who will both have stands at the event.
Chief Constable Sara Thornton, who will be opening the event at 10am, said: “The open day is a great family day out and a fantastic opportunity for members of the public to see what really goes on behind the scenes in policing.
“This is our eighth open day and they get bigger every year, with more displays and more visitors, meaning my staff and I get the chance to spend the day meeting and having fun with the public we all serve.”
Anthony Stansfeld, Police and Crime Commissioner said: “The open day is a great day out and a brilliant opportunity for the public to meet some of various departments within Thames Valley Police. It also gives the public a chance to see some of the good work that happens within Thames Valley Police to help keep the area safe.”
The Thames Valley Police Force Open Day runs from 10 am until 4pm. Parking at the site is limited and will be available on a first come first served basis. If you are coming by coach, please notify us in advance by email
No dogs are allowed on site except for guide dogs. Entry is free for adults and children. Food will be available to purchase all day including sandwiches served by the local Women’s Institute, a hog roast and barbecue – cash only.
