Glen Waverley police's Sergeant Rodney Maroney says that when the public views police as antagonists it can be challenging, because most officers join the force to help people.

At least one officer at Glen Waverley police station is injured each week on the job.

"When an offender is violent, someone needs to go in there and break the situation up,'' Sergeant Maroney said.

"Last week, I was spat on and had a bucket of water thrown on me by a suicidal female that didn't want to be helped.''

He said officers had to switch between different "mindsets'', going from one job, such as dealing with a car crash victim, to another, such as arresting an offender.

"If you can't adjust between those mindsets then you can't do the job, but that's all part of the excitement and why we enjoy the job.''

At an open day on October 26, residents will get a full behind-the-scenes look at the neighbouring Glen Waverley police and Metropolitan Fire Brigade stations.

"We want to give the public a bit of insight into our operations behind the counter and what resources are available to police the community,'' Sergeant Maroney said.

Visitors will get a look at the male and female holding cells in the police station, which once housed offenders on remand.

Marks on the cell walls tell the story of prisoners' pasts. A steel shower door in the male cells, strong enough to withstand a hurricane, is yet to be replaced after a criminal ripped it off the wall in a rage.

"Unfortunately we don't always get to deal with the better side of the community.

"We are mostly dealing with the criminal element and that's why events like this are a good chance for us to open our doors to the community.''

Open day: Sunday, October 26, 10am-4pm. Tours every half hour include displays from police, MFB, Neighbourhood Watch and Waverley SES at the Glen Waverley police station and Metropolitan Fire

Brigade, 643- 645 Ferntree Gully Road. Bookings: 95661555.