The South Australian Police Historical Society represents the spirit of policing in its endeavour to provide both the history enthusiast and the casual observer an opportunity to glimpse the hardships, trials and successes of the South Australia Police from its genesis in 1838 to the proud service it has become today.
The goals of the society are to collect and preserve our policing history, to research and educate South Australia on the work and history of the South Australia Police, and to build the reputation of the South Australia Police in the local community.
Museum Information
No tours on offer due to impending demolition of the Thebarton barracks
Displaying South Australia’s history
At the South Australian Police Historical Society, we are very keen to preserve Police History in a more tangible sense. Our five galleries are filled with interesting and unusual items that the police have used to do their job in protecting the South Australian public.
​See radio equipment, police uniforms, STAR Group equipment, breath analysis machines amongst other equipment.
South Australian Police Historical Society at a glance
Established in 1977 the South Australian Police Historical Society Inc. aims to preserve the history of the South Australia Police (SAPOL) for future generations. This is achieved by maintaining the Police Museum and by collecting, storing and maintaining donated artefacts, photographs, documents and data relevant to South Australia Police. The Society also maintains a research function to support SAPOL, past and present police officers, their families, researchers and the community.
Situated in a significant setting within the Thebarton Police Barracks on Gaol Road in Adelaide, The Society utilizes several historically listed buildings to house the Police Museum, its administration, archival, research and photographic functions. The separate Bruce Furler Gallery is home to a display of historic vehicles and along with several storage facilities completes the museum footprint.
The Society is managed by an Executive Committee, inclusive of a SAPOL representative nominated by the Commissioner of Police. The Commissioner of Police is Patron of the Society and the Deputy Commissioner of Police is Vice Patron.
