The Glasgow Police Museum explores the history of the UK’s first police force, the City of Glasgow Police. From the early attempts at establishing a police force in 1779, through the pioneering success of the Glasgow Police Act of 1800 (the UK’s first such Act), to the merging of the force with the surrounding counties in 1975, to form Strathclyde Police.

Many of the artefacts tell fascinating stories which are long forgotten. The development of the force is recounted on wall panels illustrated by old photographs and illustrations, while the artefacts bring the stories to life. Badges, uniforms, medals, decorated batons and many other artefacts fill the display cases.

The spread of the concept of preventative policing throughout the World is illustrated by a large display of worldwide Police uniforms and insignia. This colourful and comprehensive display provides the opportunity to see items from every country in the World. Thirty-five uniforms from the five continents are on display, together with over 6000 items of insignia and headgear.