“Britain’s first police force wasn’t in London,” I announce as we gather outside an old sandstone building. Welcome to the Glasgow Police Museum. It’s a hidden gem tucked away in the Merchant City district. The museum celebrates the history of the City of Glasgow Police. This was the first police force in Britain founded in 1779. That’s before Sir Robert Peel’s London police.
Finding the Glasgow Police Museum can be an adventure. The entrance is between a pub and a restaurant. You might need to buzz to be let in. Then you will have to climb several flights of stairs. The stairwell has an industrial feel.
The Glasgow Police Museum consists of three rooms. There is a reception area. There are two exhibition rooms. One focuses on the City of Glasgow Police. The other explores international policing.
Inside the first exhibition room, you’ll find a treasure trove of artifacts. You can see historical uniforms. There are truncheons, lanterns, and even swords. You can examine insignia, documents, and photographs. The displays are packed with items.
One interesting photo dates back to 1910. It shows Britain’s first police dogs. Another from 1962 depicts the policewomen’s department. Their duties included escorting female prisoners. They also dealt with offenses involving women and children. One extraordinary photograph is from 1952. It captures an armed robbery in progress. A robber points a gun at two police officers.
The second room showcases international policing. Glass cases are filled with uniforms, hats, and badges. Countries like Germany, Jamaica, Fiji, and Canada are represented. The Glasgow Police Museum has a collection of over 2000 international police insignia and uniforms.
The Glasgow Police Heritage Society created the museum. It is made up of retired police officers. They wanted to share the history of the city’s first police force. The museum opened in 2002. It was initially located at the Glasgow Central Police Headquarters. In 2009, it moved to its current location on Bell Street.
Alastair Dinsmor is a key figure behind the Glasgow Police Museum. He is the chairman of the Glasgow Police Heritage Society. He donated part of his collection to the museum. His personal collection contains over 6400 items. He received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2016. This was for his services to Police Heritage.
Before Maryhill Burgh Halls became an arts hub, it was a police station. Sir Alastair Dinsmor served as an inspector in the Maryhill division. He even had to visit Maryhill Burgh Halls to supervise sales in the alcohol trade.
The Glasgow Police Museum relies on donations to operate. It is open daily from April to October. Winter hours are more limited. Check the website before visiting to confirm opening times. The museum welcomes group visits and children. It offers a glimpse into the history of policing.
So, as you leave the Glasgow Police Museum, remember the bravery and courage of those who have served. Consider the evolution of police equipment. And appreciate the dedication of those who preserve this important history.