Thames Valley Police will stage their annual force open day next weekend.

The Thames Valley Police open day will be held between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, September 4, in the grounds of the Police Training Centre in Sulhamstead, near Reading, which includes the force museum.

The event is being held to help promote greater understanding of the many departments and specialist roles that make up Thames Valley Police.

This year the open day will be bigger than ever, with a wider range of exhibits to see and activities to take part in. These include displays from the dog section, the mounted section, and a display by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Extrication Team. Visitors will also get the chance to see the Force helicopter, the Roads Policing Department, the Specialist Search and Recovery Team, and many more departments. As well as input from specialist departments, there will be the chance to see ‘Worlds’ Collide’, a film produced to let people know about the dangers of replica firearms.

The film will be followed by a talk from a firearms officer. Visitors will also be able to see classic police cars, go on tractor rides around the site and tour the dog section.

Scenes of Crime Officers will be on site to take mug-shots and fingerprints and visitors will be able to come and solve an interactive crime scene.

Chief Constable Sara Thornton, who will be opening the event, said: “This is the fifth annual Force open day and they are a great opportunity to build stronger links with our communities and get to know Thames Valley residents. It is also a great chance for members of the public to meet some of our officers and find out a bit more about what we do.”

No dogs are allowed on site except for guide dogs. There is a £2.50 charge for adults, while children under 16 go free. Money raised from the entrance fee will go to pay for the cost of hiring facilities for the event. There will be a food court available, which can only accept cash.