Museum of Policing in Devon & Cornwall

02/06/2026

Here at the museums Okehampton HQ we are gathering objects for next weeks Annual Recognition Of Excellence in Policing Awards, it promises to be a great day.

01/06/2026

30/05/2026

Whilst present at Dartmouth Police Station, PC Goad suffered an attack of typhoid fever and was taken to a hospital ship anchored off Dartmouth, where he died on 30th May 1894.
Typhoid fever was linked to (amongst other things), milk. Highly infectious, which we assume is why poor PC Goad was taken to the hospital ship.
Pasteurisation, developed in 1862, was eventually adopted by the UK from the 1920's onwards.

28/05/2026

We had a wonderful day with the Volunteer Police Cadets at Middlemoor HQ. The cadets were all so polite and interested with plenty of questions being asked about the objects we took along. Also, they listened to all of the history and stories about the objects. A special ‘thank you’ to the organisers and all involved with putting on a great day. Already planning what we will take along next year!

27/05/2026

Parish Constable George White, the ‘oldest’ man in the Torquay District Police in 1856, at the age of 40, was working a night shift with his colleague, Constable Snook when, at around 2 o’clock in the morning, Constable White complained of feeling unwell. He decided to take a short rest and returned to the police station. Constable Snook later returned to the 'station to find that Constable White dead.

About Torquay District Police:
In July 1835, Torquay parish vestry voted to appoint a police superintendent to oversee the town parish constables. Charles Kilby was appointed in 1835. Superintendent Kilby was also placed in charge of Torquay Fire Brigade. At the time of his appointment Superintendent Kilby had 2 constables under his control, with a further 4 men appointed in 1847 and another 2 in 1853.
Superintendent Kilby stayed in charge of Torquay District Police for over 21 turbulent years until he and his 8 constables stepped aside for Devon Constabulary on 1st May 1857.

With thanks to Mark Rothwell.

20/05/2026

Here are a few images of our library here at the museums Okehampton HQ.
Sergeant Sidney our ‘desk sergeant’ was waiting to book in our special visitors (sponsors day), who were being treated to a tour around the stores.