People wondered what was happening, some recalling the days of the search for Malcolm Naden.

But it was all in good fun, with police from the Manning Great Lakes and highway patrol coming to spend the day getting to know the Gloucester community.

The community engagement day started in Billabong car park where people were encouraged to come and ask questions. Staff and students from Gloucester Preschool made the journey down town to spend a bit of time getting to know all about the different jobs the police do and how they protect the community. They even got the chance to see the inside of a police car and see a pair of handcuffs.

Officers then made the journey to several schools, spending time with the students and answering questions, before returning to Church Street for another impromptu meet and greet with the community.

For Manning Great Lakes Superintendent Shane Cribb, the day was all about engaging with the community and bringing in some of the resources which don't have a regular presence in Gloucester. There were officers from a range of departments including rural crime, crime prevention and licensing, as well as the youth liaison officer.

"We listened to people's questions and helped allay concerns," Supt Cribb said.

He explained that even though Gloucester doesn't have a 24-hour police station, there is still 24-hour protection for the community and that it's important the community knows that in an emergency, calling triple zero (000) will connect them to the right person who can help.

The visit was about more than just chatting with residents. There were also a few formal "enforcement" matters undertaken. Gloucester's Scott Chester and a few highway patrol officers set up an RBT on both sides of Church Street while licensing officers went for a stroll through the pubs and clubs. Rural crimes officers went out to a few properties to talk about crime issues as well as checking on firearms.