Image Credit: South Australia Police
SAPOL’s new police horse and Dog Operations facility in Gepps Cross will invite the public in for a one-day community open day this month. The new facility opened in February of this year.
Set for Sunday 19 April, the open day will give visitors access to SAPOL’s new purpose-built home for Mounted Operations, Dog Operations and the Band of the South Australia Police.
The open day will run across two sessions, from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm, with attendees required to register online for an hourly timeslot. Entry is free, but tickets must be presented on arrival.
For many visitors, the biggest draw will be the chance to see SAPOL’s police horses and dogs up close, along with a line-up of specialist vehicles and operational equipment. Displays will include the STAR Operations BearCat, Water Operations and Traffic vehicles, a police motorbike, boat and jet ski.
There will also be displays from Neighbourhood Watch, Recruiting, Police Legacy, the Police Historical Society and Retired Police Dogs of SA, alongside performances from the Band of the South Australia Police on the day.
Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens said, “This is a great opportunity for South Australia Police to open up the new facility at Gepps Cross for the general public who are invited to visit mounted operations, dog operations and the band.”
“The community will also be able to see some of our specialist equipment up close and find out about some of the great community programs we have to offer.”
“Plus, if you’re interested in a career change, our recruiting team will be on site to talk about the benefits of joining SAPOL.”
The new $93 million Gepps Cross facility has been designed to bring several specialist SAPOL units together in one modern precinct. Mounted Operations includes 32 stables, paddocks and an undercover arena to support horse welfare and year-round training, while Dog Operations features 15 kennels and specialist training areas for teams involved in detecting drugs, explosives and firearms, locating missing people, and helping apprehend suspects.
If you’re planning to attend, you should be prepared for a bit of walking, with the precinct covering around 1.2 kilometres and including uneven and hilly terrain, as well as a short walk to and from parking. Entry will be via Briens Road, with parking available at Roma Mitchell Secondary College and in surrounding streets.
Because the site is a protected place under the Police Act 1998, security measures including metal detection will be in place. Prohibited items include alcohol, weapons, glass containers, fireworks and anything else considered a safety risk. Attendees will need to follow any directions given by police or security officers on the day.
Entry is free, but organisers advise that tickets must be booked online and presented on arrival.
For more info and tickets, click here.
