Police museum celebrates 30th anniversary

Greater Manchester Police’s museum celebrated its 30th anniversary today (Tuesday 16 August).

The museum is based at the former Newton Police station, first opening its doors in 1981, it now boasts approximately 11,000 visitors a year from around the world.

The museum gives people the chance to see how policing has evolved over the years and visitors have the opportunity to see how items such as police uniforms, squad cars and even the equipment used, has changed over time. The museum offers visitors the chance to explore Manchester’s hidden past and really experience what life would have been like for officers in a Victorian police station. Also, it offers guided tours and workshops for children linked to National Curriculum topics

Generations of children have enjoyed hearing retired officers tell their story, seen where Manchester’s criminals were charged and fingerprinted, the cells where they were locked up and even the Magistrate’s Court where they would have stood in the dock.

Regular events are also held and details of the annual events programme can be found on the museum’s new website: www.gmpmuseum.co.uk.