POLICE HISTORY
A WINDOW ON the past in Kent
A fascinating new museum has opened that details Kent Police’s proud history since the force was formed in 1857
P
acked with interesting snapshots covering more than 150 years and based at the force’s Faversham
station, the new Kent Police Museum tells the story of how local policing evolved from rudimentary beginnings in the 19th century to become the sophisticated and effective force of today. Based in a wing of Faversham’s historic 1904 police station, the interactive facility has been designed to appeal to future generations, police officers, staff, and members of the public – and comes complete with working cells. Exhibits range from a World War II STEN submachine gun that was used to murder a police officer, to a beat-measuring wheel that was used before radios or phones to measure a patrolling officer’s beat so their supervisor could work out where they should be at any time.
The force’s old museum at Chatham Dockyard closed more than six years ago,
30 | POLICE | FEBRUARY 2022
and the new facility was created with a strong focus on the concept of policing by consent and the fact Kent is a safe place to live, work and visit. With thousands of exhibits to choose from and given a blank canvas, curator Paul Upton admits he had a tough time deciding what items should go on public display.
Sgt Acton - date unknown Inside the cells
“I’ve been in this post since Easter 2018 when the museum space was decorated but still an empty space,” Paul said. “Like any museum curator, I had to learn what the collection consisted of and, for this role, then learn about the history of Kent policing. “For someone interested in true crime, it’s been fascinating to work with
artefacts that were used in reality. So, when I chose the material to be displayed, I
followed my gut instinct, because what excited me as a civilian was also very likely to excite the public. “The aim has been to create a museum which appealed to those within policing, the public, and kids, and I think we’ve really managed to achieve that.” QR codes beside displays allow visitors
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