The Hong Kong Police Force has the distinction of being one of the oldest, yet most modern police forces in the world.

Officially formed in 1844 when the first Police Force Ordinance was passed, it can in fact trace its origins back as early as 1841 when Captain William Caine, Hong Kong's first Chief Magistrate, raised a scratch formation of 32 distinguished soldiers.

Throughout the decades the Force has made a significant contribution to the protection of life and property, the prevention and detection of crime, and the keeping of the peace. These are necessary prerequisites of a prosperous and stable society.

The decision to establish a Police Museum sought to provide the public with a better understanding of the history of the Force and of the various aspects of its work whilst preserving historic artifacts and facilitating historical research.

Originally housed in Police Headquarters, the Police Museum was started in a limited form in 1976 and later moved to Tai Sang Commercial Building in Wan Chai. In 1984, approval was given to refurbish the former Wan Chai Gap Police Station as a site for the Museum. The total cost of the renovation was $1.6 million HK Dollars (XXX US Dollars), of which $0.6 million came from private donations. The new Police Museum received its first public visitor on the 25th of November 1988.

The Museum is divided into four galleries: Orientation Gallery, Narcotics Gallery, Triad Societies Gallery and Current Exhibition Gallery. It has a total floor area of 570 square metres in which over 600 exhibits are displayed.

Orientation Gallery
This gallery describes the general history of the Force through historical photographs, historical archives, uniforms, equipment, firearms and other artifacts. Significant exhibits include the head of the 'Sheung Shui Tiger' which was shot in 1915 after killing a policeman, the donation of memorabilia from the widow of a former Commissioner of Police, Mr. Duncan MacIntosh, a 'Plague Medal' of 1894 and examples of counterfeit banknotes.

Narcotics Gallery
This gallery highlights the narcotics problem in Hong Kong through the display of replica drugs, drug smoking and trafficking paraphernalia and an example of a heroine manufacturing laboratory

Triad Societies Gallery
This gallery features the history of local Triad Societies, the scope of their activities and the beliefs and rituals that have been known to be practised by members.

Current Exhibition Gallery
This gallery is a thematic exhibition gallery with displays being changed from time to time. The first display carried the theme of 'Marine Police' and was later followed by exhibitions on the 'Police Tactical Unit', 'Traffic Police' and 'Police Stations'. The current display is 'Police Uniform' and there will be many more exhibitions on various topics in the coming years.

The Museum has a small souvenir counter with a selection of souvenirs available on sale.

Opening hours:
The museum, located at 27 Coombe Road, is open on Wednesdays to Sundays from 9:00am to 5:00pm and on Tuesdays from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. It is closed on Mondays and public holidays. You can call 2849-7019 for information or to arrange a group visit.