HUNDREDS of people caught a glimpse of the life of a police officer as a station opened its doors to the public.

More than 350 people booked places on tours of the newly-refurbished Darlington Police Station, with dozens more turning up over the two days.

Groups followed the journey of an arrested person, from being brought into custody, through to being charged or released.

Visitors were given dramatic demonstrations by the Police Support Unit of a violent prisoner being removed from their cell, as well as an insight into the steps taken by crime scene investigators to collect evidence, fingerprinting, and the interview process.

They also met different teams from Durham Police, including traffic patrols, neighbourhood officers, the Special Constabulary, the Alcohol Harm Reduction Unit and Police Cadets, and posed for pictures with the force’s motorcycle unit.

Chief Superintendent Graham Hall, of Darlington police, said the open days proved to be a big success and were well attended by people of all ages.

He said: “The station has been completely refurbished over the last few years and gives better working conditions for staff and the public.

"Events like this give people an insight into the job we do."

County Durham’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Ron Hogg, also attended the event.

He said: “We have fully refurbished the police station for the community as well as our officers. It is a community facility and we want people to come and see what community policing is all about.

“The support we get from the community in Darlington is second to none.”