Families went behind the scenes with the boys in blue this weekend at a police station fun day.
The free event at Wimbledon police station in Queen’s Road on Sunday saw visitors take tours of the building – including the cells – and check out displays of police equipment and vintage cop cars and uniforms.
Organised by Sergeant Matt Babington and PCSO Louise Russell of the Borough's Safer Transport Team, residents got to meet officers from Merton’s Response Teams, Safer Neighbourhoods Teams and Special Constabulary, who talked about their role and demonstrated some of the equipment and kit used.
Merton’s Volunteer Police Cadets from Wimbledon and Mitcham helped run the event throughout the day by meeting guests, helping to run stands and raising funds for St Catherine's Hospice.
Cadet Leanne Williams said: “We’ve met officers from many different units which has been really interesting.
"Being a Cadet offers the opportunity to work closely with the police from the inside, and do things that usually wouldn’t be available.”
Merton's Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Dick Wolfenden, said: “Today is about meeting our local residents and families at a great community social event, who support the daily hard work and dedication of my officers and teams across their borough.
"It’s great to welcome our community and let them see some of what we do.
"We really appreciate the fantastic turn-out today, on such a bright sunny Sunday in April!”
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