South Wales Police Heritage Centre re-opens its doors to the public

Free admission for all – booking is essential

The South Wales Police Heritage Centre, based at Police Headquarters in Bridgend, will re-open its doors to members of the public from Wednesday 4th April.

The Heritage Centre, or Museum as it was previously known, previously proved to be a real favourite with visitors of all ages, but sadly had to close while the development work on the Headquarters site was ongoing.

Deputy Chief Constable Richard Lewis said:

“Those who have had the opportunity to visit our Museum before, will already be aware of the fascinating collection it holds, and how those items help us create a better understanding of the organisation and to tell the stories of its heritage throughout the decades. A history and heritage we are proud to share with our communities.
“It is in the telling of those stories that we hope to bring the history of policing in South Wales back to life.
“South Wales Police has a fascinating history going back over many years, which includes the story of how our predecessor forces came together, creating the force we are today.
“When visiting the Heritage Centre, the thing that always strikes me most is the sense of just how much things have changed in a relatively short space of time even since I first joined the force. That is particularly true when you compare the technology we are using today to that we were using only a few years ago.
“Keeping that record of who we are and where we’ve been, is extremely important to us as it not only provides an opportunity for us to learn about those who came before us, but also to showcase and celebrate just how far we’ve come as an organisation.
“You will not have to look very far before you find some truly astonishing examples of leadership, loyalty, selflessness and bravery. The remarkable stories of the WW1 policemen, who gave their lives for their country, are a perfect example.”

What can I expect from my visit?

Our galleries contain a range of artefacts, including police equipment and uniforms from years gone by, together with items like handcuffs, radios and 19th Century decorated truncheons.

You can discover the tough duties of police officers in World War I, and see some of the weapons recovered by police officers during their daily duties.

There is also a Charge Room to book people into custody, as well as a cell for any of our law-breaking guests!

How do I book my visit?

All you need to do is email policemuseum@south-wales.pnn.police.uk, telling us when and what time you would like to visit. You will then get an email back from us to confirm details. Alternatively please call 01656 766 855 and leave us a message.

Appointments are available on most Wednesdays. However, should you have a specific or group request, please still feel free to get in touch and if possible we will do our very best to accommodate you.