Donating Historical Items

What do we collect?

The museum collects objects, photographs and archival materials related to the history of policing in Vancouver and the forensic sciences.  Objects in the museum date from the 1870s to the present day.

The collection consists of a wide variety of objects, including;

• Badges, shoulder flashes, uniforms
• Equipment used by the department, including handcuffs, flashlights, computer equipment, communications equipment, Breathalyzers
• Items relating to the history of specialized squads and groups including Dog Squad, Mounted Squad, Motorcycle Drill Team, Pipe Band
• Items confiscated by the police department, including prohibited weapons and drug paraphernalia
• Objects related to the history of our building, including the City Analysts Lab and the Coroner’s Service

Income tax receipts are available upon request; a professional appraisal may be required.

Professional Standards and the Use of Our Collection

The museum maintains two collections; a permanent collection for exhibit development and research purposes and an education collection for use in school and public programs.   The Vancouver Police Museum is committed to the highest professional standards of documentation, preservation, research, exhibition and interpretation of its collection.  The museum is a member in good standing of the following professional associations; British Columbia Museums Association, Canadian Museums Association, Archives Association of British Columbia, Interpretation Canada and the Lower Mainland Museum Educators Association.

If you have any questions or would like to make a donation, please contact the museum;
Phone: 604-717-2739
Email: curator@vancouverpolicemuseum.ca