Strathclyde Police Museum

Located within Strathclyde Police Headquarters on Pitt Street, a half-mile (1 km) west northwest of George Square, the Strathclyde Police Museum tells the story of policing in the west of Scotland and, in particular, the history of the Strathclyde force since its inception in 1975.

Opened in 1990, the museum includes displays on crime detection and policing methods including police equipment, forensic science, weapons used in criminal activities, together with unusual exhibits such as the birch and birching board used to punish offenders and the barrow used to carry drunks to the police station. The different uniforms and equipment used by the six forces which came together to form Strathclyde Police are the subject of another display, while fascinating criminal cases are featured, including that of poisoner Madeleine Smith (1835 - 1928) and murderer Dr Edward Pritchard (c.1825-65). Six display cases examine aspects of forensic science, including DNA, finger-prints, foot-prints and hairs and fibres.

The police archives are no longer held by the museum, but are rather lodged with the Mitchell Library in Glasgow.

The museum is open to the public by appointment only.

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