To commemorate Suffolk Day, Suffolk Constabulary will be opening its museum for the public to explore.

Guests and visitors can find themselves quite literally walking through the history of policing in Suffolk, with 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.

Both children and adults will be able to view important historic policing artifacts during their visit, 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 self-guided and there will be signs around the museum to direct the flow of the crowd. There will be the opportunity to have some 'hands on' experience of uniform and equipment as well as chatting to Community Engagement police officers.

Suffolk's Chief Constable Rachel Kearton will be attending, along with other officers from specialist teams (operational capacity allowing).

Suffolk Constabulary's museum can be found at Police Headquarters in Martlesham. Visitors will need to pre-book an entry slot, which will be at 20-minute intervals between 5pm and 8pm.   

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] and let the museum team know your preferred entry time and whether there will be any children attending in your group.