He had thought that if 300 attended the two-hour event it would have been worthwhile but in the end about 1000 turned out.
"This looks like such a success, we'll have to do it again," Snr Sgt McCoy said when asked if another would be held next year.
The day had displays from police organisations including the Dunedin armed offenders squad, "booze bus" and commercial vehicle investigation unit, as well as community groups including the Oamaru Fire Brigade, Waitaki Rural Fire, community patrol, Land Search and Rescue and Victim Support.
Among the more popular displays were the armed offenders squad equipment, trying out the breath-alcohol analyser and, for children, visiting and being "banged up" in the cells. The LandSar abseiling display was also a hit.
People also had a comprehensive tour of the police station, including the EBA suite, fingerprint room, muster room, interview rooms and meal room.
