Gloucestershire Constabulary threw open its doors on Saturday 17 September to welcome the public back to its Open Day which was revived just two years ago. The official last day of summer saw more than 5,000 people enter the gates at County Police Headquarters in Quedgeley, where the Hollie Gazzard Trust were invited by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Martin Surl, to join other charities and stalls in the Commissioner’s Zone.
As the sun shone on the throngs of people making their way around the various demonstrations and events, it was clear that the public have an interest in, and support for, their police force. The idea was to show local communities the range of responsibilities that the police have and the extent of the services provided. Gloucestershire Constabulary values its relationship with the public and strives to maintain its connection with the communities it engages with as well as encouraging greater understanding of what it is the police do to keep the public safe.
There were demonstrations by police dog handlers, police horse riders and the firearms unit as well as a programme of talks by top detectives and experts in forensic science, force intelligence, child protection and combating online hate and terrorism. Visitors were able to see inside the Force Control Room, which handles all 999 and 101 calls as well as the state-of-the-art Custody Suite. In addition, there was a chance to learn how the Commissioner’s Fund supports hundreds of local crime reduction projects.
For the Hollie Gazzard Trust, it was a chance to raise awareness of the vital work the Trust carries out and there was huge interest in Hollie Guard. Hollie Hearts, the brainchild of Hollie Helper, Lizzi Fisher, were particularly popular and we would just like to say a huge thank you to all those who popped by to say ‘hello’ as well as the Police and Crime Commissioner for inviting us to a memorable day.
Gloucestershire Constabulary Open Day 2016