The new Lancashire Police Museum opens its doors to the public for the first time today.
People can find out more about the history of policing in the county thanks to a range of exhibits at the new attraction, which is housed in the former prison A-wing at the historic Lancaster Castle.
Admission is free.
The museum is a partnership between Lancashire Constabulary, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Duchy of Lancaster.
The museum features 16 fascinating exhibits each housed within a prison cell. Displays detail the history of Lancashire Constabulary, Police training, forensic development – including how some very famous local cases were solved – and an overview of some of the different police departments including the mounted branch, dog unit, underwater search unit and firearms.
There is also a mock custody suite with interactive exhibits, an area for children to try on uniforms and an area dedicated to modern day policing with information about opportunities to join the police either as a cadet, volunteer, police staff member or police officer.
The museum will be free to enter and open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10.30 to 4pm initially, with staffing by volunteers.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Dawson said: “We are tremendously proud of our history and as such, thrilled to be opening this new museum in partnership with the Duchy of Lancaster and PCC.
“It is important that we celebrate our history and provide the public with an opportunity to find out more about policing in Lancashire. The new Museum will give us a fabulous space in which we can do this by illustrating the work we’ve done and continue to do to keep our local communities safe.
“As well as the main exhibitions, in the future we will be offering talks and presentations in the museum with visitors from experts in different areas of policing. We also hope to be able to host school visits, so perhaps we’ll also inspire future generations to join our ranks.”
He concluded: “The Museum has been in the works for a number of years, and I would like to thank the Duchy and all those involved – most of them volunteers who have given up their time for free - for their support in offering us this opportunity and supporting the Museum’s development.”
Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden said: "This Museum is an excellent resource for the county and provides the opportunity to educate people on how policing has changed, to learn more about their local police force and the challenges of policing today, as well as discovering more about its rich and proud history.
"The history of the building itself is truly fascinating and along with the vast array of exhibits, each with their own poignant story, it's not to be missed."
Anyone wishing to visit the museum can find out more here. You can also find out more about the Police Museum at www.lancashirepolicemuseum.co.uk or on Facebook and Instagram.
We’re also on the look-out for volunteers to join the team. If you’d like to join them please contact policemuseum@lancashire.police.uk
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