History/Museum

The museum holds primary and secondary source information relating to the history and development of policing in the Greater Manchester area.

Our archive holdings comprise a mix of records ranging from the official to the personal.

We do not hold personnel records for police officers serving in forces outside the Greater Manchester area. We also do not hold Court records or records from the Prison Service.

Our holdings fall into four main categories:

1. Personnel service records for police officers, including personal memorabilia
2. Manuals and Handbooks relating to police work and administrative records
3. Records relating to the governing bodies of police forces prior to 1974
4. Registers of Aliens residing in Salford from 1914 to 1969 - About Aliens Registers at the Museum & Alien Registration Information

Use of the archive is by appointment only. Researchers are welcome on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays of each week. Enquiries about using the archive can be initially made by telephone, email or personal visit.

Please note that museum staff and volunteer researchers are happy to receive family history enquiries relating to former police officers by email or letter, and any information can be sent out by email or letter as required. There is no charge for this service, but donations to the museum funds are most appreciated. Please make cheques payable to "Greater Manchester Police Museum".

Please note that as a general rule the museum is only able to release information about deceased former police officers, serving prior to 1974. Information is released on the understanding that it is for private family history use only.