Police history gem to be digitalised for future

The items are said to be a glimpse into the historical archives

A collection of thousands of artefacts, documents and photographs charting local policing history is in the process of being digitalised for future generations.

The little-known collection of police memorabilia, believed to be the biggest of its kind in the UK, offers a glimpse into the history of policing in Devon and Cornwall.

The display is owned and funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and includes police top hats, decommissioned handmade grenades and even punishment stocks from the 1800s.

A mini museum of the police memorabilia is available to view by prior appointment in Tavistock's Court Gate.

'Fascinating story'

Recent grants from the OPCC and Devon & Cornwall Police mean the collection can now be fully catalogued and digitalised.

It is predicted it will take eight years to digitalise the entire collection.

So far, some 10,000 contemporary and historic items - solely from Devon and Cornwall - have been catalogued.

The museum has also released a short film to showcase the work it does.

Chair of museum trustees Bill Skelly said: "Within the past 10 years the museum has grown from strength to strength and, without the help of the OPCC, it would not have been able to take the big leaps we have recently to keep our policing legacy alive.

"Behind every artifact lies a fascinating story, sometimes tragic, sometimes humbling."

He added: "We are trying to bring those stories to life and give people access to them for generations to come."