Essex Police Museum

Advancements in technology have provided us with a whole host of new investigation techniques. 

We explain the subtle differences in Officers' uniform that signify rank and awarded medals. 

In 1997 a central information room was built to make force communications much more efficient. 

Advancements in technology have revolutionised Police communication.

Did you know Southend-On-Sea used to have it's own police force? Hear about the origins of the Force and find out why it no longer exists.

We take a look at policing in Southend during the Victorian era. 

Hear a letter from a rookie Women Police Constable (WPC) to her parents, describing the day to day life of a trainee. 

We take a look at the first women constables in Essex and hear the differences in men's and women's roles. 

Essex Police have many vehicles and transport methods at their disposal. 

Hear Special Constable Edgar Nicholls' account of the L33 zeppelin crash near Little Wigborough.

Discover a Special Constable's wartime duties. 

Hear how World War I led to the start of the Special Constabulary, a section that's still in use today!

Policing in Essex was changed dramatically by both World Wars.

Hear how forensic ballistic evidence was used to convict the murderers of PC Gutteridge in 1927. Interestingly one of the perpetrators, Frederick Browne, protested his innocence even at the very end and modern-day analysis can only conclusively put his co-defendant, William Kennedy, at the scene. The case was featured in an episode of the BBC's Murder, Mystery and My Family with the conviction upheld.

Hear Samuel Dougal's 'confession' of the events that unfolded on 19th May, 1899, leading to Camille Holland's death. Sgt David Scott did not believe it, thinking instead that Dougal's actions were intentional. What do you believe?

Hear Sgt David Scott's letter detailing the final moments of Samuel Dougal, convicted murderer of Camille Holland. Dougal was hanged at Chelmsford Prison on 14th July 1903. 

The story of the murder at Moat Farm, a case with huge public interest at the time. The investigation and trial took place in 1903, 4 years after the murder had been committed in 1899. The perpetrator used several tricks to hide his crime and the police didn't have modern-day forensics to assist them. 

A brief overview of the murder of Inspector Simmons. 

A brief overview of the death of PC Bamborough who died as a result of a fight with a prisoner. He was the first officer to die on duty in Essex.

A brief overview of the case known as the Harwich Death Club. Mary May was set to receive a large sum of money after her husband's death, until she became the main suspect in his murder. 

A brief overview of a famous Essex case - Arsenic Sally. The case was featured on BBC's Murder, Mystery and My Family, concluding that the conviction of Sarah Chesham was potentially unsafe. 

Find out about our replica Victorian cell, based on the ones at the old Thorpe-Le-Soken station.

New Constable David Scott describes the job from his perspective.

Admiral McHardy establishes the Essex County Constabulary but he had high standards. Would you make the grade?

Inspector Drane from Colchester Borough Police takes us through the origins of police forces, from the middle ages to the formation of the first police force!