To commemorate the Suffolk Day on June 21, the county's police force will be reopening its museum to visitors for the first time since March 2020 due to Covid restrictions.

Guests and visitors can find themselves quite literally walking through the history of policing as they are guided through the tour, showcasing artifacts and photographs documenting important aspects of policing from as early as the 19th Century.

Particular points of interest include a popular display showcasing the evolution of police uniforms and equipment issued to police officers, including wooden rattles, whistles and radios.

Cudgel led to public hanging (Picture credit: Suffolk police museum)

Both children and adults will be able to view important historic policing artifacts on the tour, such as the cudgel that was used by John Ducker to murder Police Constable Ebenezer Tye at Halesworth in 1862. Ducker was publicly hanged at Ipswich in 1863 for this heinous crime, witnessed by some 4,000 people. It was to be the last public hanging in Suffolk.

Each tour on the day will be guided by museum volunteers, who will provide information and further explanation about the displays. Children attending, who must be accompanied by an adult, will have the opportunity to have some 'hands on' experience of uniform and equipment as well as chatting to Community Engagement police officers.

Lucky visitors will even get to see the hardworking police dogs currently working in the Force.

Hourly tours of the museum will take place at Police Headquarters in Martlesham from 5pm – 9pm (the last tour commences at 8pm). Hourly slots need to be reserved with a note of whether children will be attending and customers must make their preferred time known to the museum before the tour.

Visits and tours of the museum are free of charge, however donations are appreciated.

The number of places on each tour will be restricted, so to avoid disappointment early booking is recommended.

To book your slot, please contact [email protected].