Just in the nick of time

05 Apr 2023

On a hot February morning, a group of travellers from Collinswood Combined Probus Club enjoyed an interesting and insightful tour of the South Australian Police Museum. The Museum is currently located in the Thebarton Police Barracks, where, until recently, several buildings had historical listing, but will now be demolished to make way for the new Women's & Children's Hospital. So, this was an experience never to be repeated in its historical context.

The Museum comprises several galleries showcasing S.A. policing history from its 1838 origin (being the third oldest organised police force in the world after Britain and Ireland) to the present: from rudimentary constabulary to sophisticated forensic detection. The Bruce Furler Gallery displays horse-drawn carriages (including the Black Maria prison van) through to hi-tech motorbikes and cars. Exhibits showcase mounted policing (including on camels), with the beloved police greys still actively used and stabled on premises.

The volunteer guides - all retired police officers - were uniformly big, burly, affable & informative - and kept the rowdy Probians in line! (Try to pick their guide the group shot.)

The Collinswood Combined Probus Club have been advised by the SA Police Historical Society that the Museum will be relocated - here's hoping!