More than 2500 people attended the open day, which showcased the Police helicopter, Tactical Response Group, Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat, mobile police lock-up, Water Police, Forensics, Mounted Section, Bomb Squad, Dog Squad, WA Police Pipe Band, Recruiting, Traffic, Detectives, Police & Citizens Youth Club (PCYC), Constable Care, WA Police Legacy and WA Police Union, Neighbourhood Watch and more.

Neighbourhood Watch staff signed-up new members “on the spot”; they also sold more than 900 sausages to raise money.

Several people approached uniformed officers to enquire how they could join WA Police. At the end of the day, they had 11 potential cadetship prospects and 11 mature age recruits. Although recruiting was not the primary aim of the open day, the outcomes were a significant positive for WA Police.

All police personnel involved experienced extremely positive feedback from the general public, who were pleased to be able to access officers from a variety of units and gain a better understanding of policing.

Whether it was the robotic bomb disposal unit or the towering Constable Care, there is no doubt that some lasting impressions were left imprinted onto the minds of many of the younger visitors during the day.

Sadly, a few hours into the event, word was received that an off-duty officer was killed in a quad bike accident just out of town.

As unfortunate an incident as it was, the tragedy highlighted the camaraderie within the agency, as well as the support network offered by members of the WA Police Legacy Scheme.

Peter Browne, applying his dual role as Manager of WA Police Legacy and Welfare Officer for WA Police Union, was in attendance and able to provide immediate comfort to the family and colleagues of the officer.

Special thanks to the owner of the vacant SupaValue store – where the display was held – who donated the 1000 square metre building for the event.