Museum Collections and Archives

Spanning over a century, our museum collections and archives explore the history of Vancouver through the eyes of policing and criminal investigation. From weapons and forensic tools to turn-of-the-century mugshots, we feature an array of unique objects through our rotating exhibits, research projects, and special events.

The Museum is housed in the 1930s Coroner's Offices and Analysis Laboratory and we are proud to include the morgue and autopsy suite as part of our museum collection.

For more information about our collection including possible donations and volunteering, please contact our Curator at curator@vancouverpolicemuseum.ca.

Access Our Artefacts Database

The museum’s wide artefacts collection includes:

• Badges, insignia, and uniforms
• Equipment used by the Vancouver Police Department, such as handcuffs, flashlights, communication equipment, and blood alcohol analyzers
• Items relating to the history of specialized squads such as the Emergency Response Team, the Dog Squad, the Mounted Squad, the Pipe Band and the Public Safety Unit
• Items confiscated by the Vancouver Police Department, such as weapons and drug paraphernalia
• Objects related to the history of the heritage building

Archives

We have thousands of photos, books and paper-based documents that offer in-depth insight into Vancouver's policing history. Guests can find:

• Old mugshots
• Historical investigative documents and much more

For research requests, contact: research@vancouverpolicemuseum.ca  Please note: the archives reading room is accessible on Wednesdays via appointment only.

Donate an Artefact