Essex Police Museum

About the museum

The Essex Police Museum was set up as a charity in 1992 to preserve and display the history of Essex Police, which goes back to 1840. Its collection now includes more than 25,000 objects, documents, paintings and photographs showing how the police in Essex have worked to keep communities safe and catch criminals, from the Victorian period to today.

The museum is based at Essex Police headquarters in Chelmsford and has been open to the public on a regular basis since 2005. A Heritage Lottery Fund grant paid for an education programme and for refurbishing the displays. Because it depends on volunteer availability, evening visits cannot be arranged.

Visitors can step into a replica Victorian cell, look at a display of past crimes, investigate a mock crime scene and try on police uniforms. There is also a children's area with play equipment and an eye-spy trail, a small research area and library, and a handling collection for visitors with visual impairments.

Highlights

• Replica Victorian police cell
• Mock crime scene and display of past crimes
• More than 25,000 objects, documents and photographs on Essex policing since 1840
• Children's area with uniforms, fingerprinting and trails
• Podcast-style audio guide and handling collection

Permanent exhibitions

• Policing in Essex since 1840 – Displays of artefacts, documents and photographs on the history of Essex Police from the Victorian era to today.
• Replica Victorian cell and mock crime scene – A replica Victorian police cell, a display of past crimes and a mock crime scene for visitors to investigate.

Founded

1992

Operated by

Essex Police Museum (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free on Saturdays and on the listed school-holiday Wednesdays. Group and school visits are charged. Private tours can be booked by email.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: not available

Step-free access via an enclosed platform lift, with all displays on one level and seating available. An accessible toilet is about 100 yards away in the main building, reached by the lift and a level path. Hearing loop at the till, audio guide transcripts, ear defenders and sensory backpacks are available, and sound and lighting can be reduced. A handling collection is available for visitors with visual impairments. Free accessible parking bays are a short walk from the entrance on Saturdays.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Playground / play area

Free children's area with play equipment, an eye-spy trail, fingerprinting, uniforms, colouring and toy cars; paid trails and crafts cost £1 or £2. Sensory packs are available to all visitors.

Getting there & parking

Follow Kingston Crescent to its end.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Small gift shop, mostly items under £5. The nearest food is a Nisa shop with a sandwich bar about 350 yards away. Public toilets about 100 yards away. Cards, including contactless, are accepted.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit