An open day for the public will be held at the Cootamundra Police Station on Sunday. Photo: Cootamundra Police.
The Cootamundra police force is inviting the community to an open day tour of the town’s station.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Officer In Charge Inspector Nadine Roberts said the idea for the open day was about breaking down barriers.
“It is particularly with children and the community having some level of apprehension when dealing with the police,” Insp Roberts said.
“Our primary goal is to build on our relationships and develop them.
“It’s a good opportunity to listen to the community, canvass any concerns they might have and answer questions or talk to them and allay any concerns they might have,” she said.
Insp Roberts said the open day was an opportunity for the community to engage with the police in a non-confrontational manner.
“The pathway in the level of communication is much more relaxed and open to building a rapport as we’re not responding to a job and they (visitors) are not a victim or an offender of a crime.”
Insp Roberts added the open day was a means of showcasing to the community the “great police” they had at the station.
“We’ve had an influx of new police … currently we have three probationary constables and some new officers that have transferred into the police station.
“It’s a good opportunity for the community to get to meet their local police and obviously know who they’re dealing with out on the street should they ever need to talk with an officer.”
The Cootamundra Police Station Open Day is on Sunday 7 May, from 10 am to 1 pm at 101 Cooper Street Cootamundra and residents can see their local police cooking a barbecue and offering free sausage sandwiches.
Locals will be given a tour of the police station and the opportunity to ask any questions they might have.
The upcoming open day is the first one to be held at the Cootamundra Police Station since Inspector Roberts took up her position in November 2020.
Last year, the open day was held at Gundagai Police Station. Other community engagements have been held, with an open day at Wallendbeen Police Station and ‘Coffee with a Cop’ at Stockinbingal.
Insp Roberts said last year’s open day had a positive response from the community, with attendance from all age groups.
“We had kids, elderly and retired police officers come,” she said. “We had a barbecue lunch, we offered tours through the police station – there was a lot of interest in the cells from the kids.
“We had a highway patrol vehicle and a police paddy wagon there for them (children) to jump in and have a look around.
“It was a relaxed, open and engaging day.”
The Cootamundra Police Station Open Day is on Sunday 7 May, from 10 am to 1 pm at 101 Cooper Street Cootamundra.
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