SPEED Gun challenge, fingerprinting and a tour of the cells were just some of activities on offer at an Open Day at Ely Police Station on Sunday. Hundreds of families attended the event where they were able to meet the team of PCSOs and officers. There ar

SPEED Gun challenge, fingerprinting and a tour of the cells were just some of activities on offer at an Open Day at Ely Police Station on Sunday.

Hundreds of families attended the event where they were able to meet the team of PCSOs and officers. There are three cells at Ely and one for under-18s, so if they are full, officers have to take prisoners to Parkside in Cambridge, or Huntingdon.

Suspects are fingerprinted using rollers, searched, photographed, a DNA sample is taken using a serrated cotton bud in the cheek, and the suspect put in the cells, which have just a rubber mattress on concrete. The cell toilets are stainless steel with no seat- nothing that can be used as a weapon or to harm the suspect is there - even the light fittings have no cords on. There is a spyhole into the toilet of each cell - so no-one can ever be out of sight. Prisoners are fed and a vegetarian option is available as is halal or pork-free meals.

Suspects are interviewed in a soundproofed room - which has punch marks in the walls where interviewees have let their aggression get the better of them - every interview is taped and three copies made. One stays sealed and goes to court, one for police records and one goes to the lawyer.

A fire engine, East Anglia Air Ambulance and MAGPAS Community First Responders were also in attendance at the event.