WHEN Tavistock Police Station opened its doors to the public last Saturday, local officers were surprised to see almost 500 people attend the event. But the station opened more than its front door ? the cells and the old Magistrates? Court, which has not been used for nearly seven years, were also open to visitors. Outside in the Guildhall Car Park the fire service, Dartmoor Rescue Group and the ambulance service joined in for the special open day, which was all part of the Devon and Cornwall weekend of action to inform people in the area of the local services provided. Inside the magistrates? court, people had the chance to walk around the Victorian building, while children were able to talk to PC Diane Maguire on how to become a police officer, and even have their fingerprints taken. Visitors could also view the cells, circa 1865, which were open to show the environment people had to stay in until their court trial. Neighbourhood team leader, Sergeant Bob Hughes, said the day was a ?huge success? with loads of people coming through the door. He said: ?It was very good ? lots of people spoke to the police and it was nice to speak to them in a non-confrontational manner and give a more human side to the police.? The event followed an operation on Friday night which saw two officers from Devon and Cornwall police dog section, supported by the operational support team (OST) and officers from Tavistock, visit various pubs in Tavistock and Okehampton, with two dogs. Sgt Hughes said the operation was a proactive move to check local pubs for drug abuse ? no drugs were found.
