This year marks 40 years since the Tasmania Police Academy at Rokeby opened its doors.

“We are celebrating a distinguished history to date,” said Commander Tony Cerritelli.  The Academy has hosted 131 graduations since 1976 and a great many award ceremonies.

“We are proud of the achievements of our graduates over the past 40 years and pleased to be able to share this history with you,” he said.

To celebrate, we are hosting a colourful community Open Day at the academy which will showcase Emergency Services.  “The Department of Police and Emergency Management adopts a collaborative approach to emergency response and we will be showcasing our partners in these important roles,” he said.

“Many changes have occurred over forty years, from the uniforms to the vehicles in the fleet. We’ll capture this history in a series of photographic displays,” he said.

The newest recruits, Puppies Una, Ora, Bernie and Cliff, along with their veteran colleagues Yardley and Aggie will be there.  And the police public relations dog Teddy is also looking forward to meeting everyone on the day.

Recruiting services will be onsite looking out for potential candidates and available to answer any queries regarding the current intake.

There will be plenty of activities for youngsters, with children’s entertainers Scallywags, face-painting, balloon sculptures and our popular Little Tykes Police cars – the police fleet for little people.

Outside the Academy there will be displays including Marine Search and Rescue and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, State Emergency Services, Tasmania Fire Service and Tasmania Ambulance Service.

“We believe we have your afternoon covered with activities and information, combined with food vans from a variety of local providers,” said Commander Cerritelli.

“Bring along the kids, everyone is welcome at the Tasmania Police Academy, Phil Fletcher Drive, Rokeby. Sunday 6^th March 2016 between 11am and 2pm. On-site parking is available.”

A small selection of scheduled activities is attached:

11:30 Westpac Rescue Helicopter – performing a land winch

12:00 Scally Wags from Exit Left performing for the children (Auditorium)

12:30 SES display cutting up of car (Outside ground display)

1:00 Scally Wags from Exit Left performing for the children (Auditorium)

1:00 Performance from the Police Pipe Band (Outside ground display)

1.30 Water winch displays by Marine and Westpac Rescue Helicopter

Pistol Range tour every 20 minute intervals commencing at 11am