Overwhelming response to re-opening of museum

11 May 2022

Having successfully re-located, the new West Midlands Police Museum has received an overwhelming response from the public after opening its doors last month, with manager Corinne Brazier saying, “I have the best job in the world.”

After it was announced the previous West Midlands Police Museum located in Sparkhill Police Station would be sold after falling victim to budget cuts back in 2015, Corinne – who volunteered at the time – and Inspector Steve Rice, now retired, searched tirelessly for a replacement building.

Soon after, they identified the former Central Custody Block, the Lock-Up, in Steelhouse Lane, a listed building which soon proved to be the perfect home to the West Midlands Police Museum.

They secured funding in 2020 and the past two years have been spent refurbishing the museum, which is spread across three floors, ready for its re-opening on 9 April this year.

“It feels incredible to be able to re-open the doors to the museum. We’ve been on such a journey and if you’d told me early in 2017 that we would be opening up at the Lock-up, six days a week, I never would have thought it to be possible,” says Corinne, who has worked with West Midlands Police since 2005.

“When the previous building closed its doors, there was such a demand for the museum to re-open we couldn’t just sit back and do nothing. And it’s been worth it. The response we’ve had over the past month is just overwhelming.”

Corinne and Steve.

Items in the museum date back to the 1800s, demonstrating how the police force has evolved and developed over the last 200 years.  

“I like to think of the museum as the biggest shop window for West Midlands Police Force. The items we have on show help demonstrate to the public what the police are all about and where the Force has come from,” said Corinne.

“This is so much more than a museum. It builds bridges with the community, tells stories from police history and honours both current and former officers.

“Those who died on duty need to be honoured. It’s crucial that we keep their memories alive, and their families know they didn’t sacrifice their lives for nothing, and that’s why we work incredibly hard on putting together our roll of honour.

 “Of course, it’s about tributing current officers too, while also inspiring future generations to join the police. I hope everyone who visits leaves with a positive perception of the police.”

Having completed a two-year fixed term contract on the heritage project in 2020, Corinne admits she was delighted after successfully applying for the role of Heritage Manager.

Now, Corinne, along with a team of five others, works at the museum, together with a group of diverse volunteers, made up of former officers, students and members of the public.

“It’s amazing to see former officers who are now volunteering, sharing their stories and experiences with visitors,” added Corinne, “They add so much more to the visitor experience.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for former officers to continue supporting the Force in their own way, after retirement.”

As well as dozens of items of police memorabilia, there are also dressed cells, which tell the story of some former offenders in different time periods, along with a number of cells dedicated specifically to the Peaky Blinders, police photography and forensics.

The museum also includes a Tardis-like police box, a life-size police horse and police motorbikes. And, for younger visitors, there is a fun interactive trail where children can follow the Lock-Up Mouse through displays, before collecting a cuddly toy from the museum shop.

“My favourite section of the museum is a number of mugshots on display from the 1850s. Birmingham City Police were the first force to start taking mugshots and we have some of them on display – they really bring history to life,” explained Corinne.

“They each have their own story behind them, it’s amazing.”

Due to the size of the building, Corinne and the team are able to host a number of events on site, including tours for young people, history groups and schools. There is also a conference room on site, which Corinne is hoping to rent out to local businesses as a way of generating income.

“My interest was piqued in 1998, when I went to a police open day at Solihull Police Station, originally wanting to be an officer,” says Corinne, who reveals her passion for police history was ignited after purchasing the book, “Birmingham the Sinister Side: Crime and the Causes of Crime in Victorian and Edwardian Times”.

As part of the fund-raising during the Heritage Lottery bid, Corinne contacted the author of that book and now, the museum is the only place in the world that can exclusively sell new copies of the hardback.

“We have so much ambition at West Midlands Police Museum and we’re hoping to support other forces across the country to establish similar museums, so they can tell their story too,” Corinne adds.

“Honestly, this role is a dream come true for me.”

Donated items for the museum are always welcome, and Federation members, both current or serving, as well as their families, are being invited to get in touch with Corinne and the team if they have anything they feel appropriate.

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 4pm. Book your tickets.