The Justice and Police Museum is located in Sydney, Australia and is part of the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales. This museum was established in 1991 and is dedicated to the exploration of the history of the New South Wales justice system. The museum holds a variety of artifacts and documents related to crime, policing and the judicial system in the state, and seeks to raise public awareness and understanding of the history and development of the justice system in Australia.

The Justice and Police Museum is housed in a former Water Police Court and Police Station, which were built in 1858. This building was initially designed to house the growing number of convicts who were being transported to Australia from Britain. The building was later used as a court house and police station, and it is these two aspects of the building’s history that the museum seeks to explore. The museum’s collection includes a variety of items related to the history of policing, crime and punishment in the state of New South Wales, including police uniforms and equipment, weapons, lock-ups, photographs, artwork and documents. The museum also holds a number of exhibits that explore the history of crime in Australia, including a collection of objects related to the notorious bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang. The museum’s permanent exhibition, titled ‘Crime and Justice’, is divided into three sections. The first section focuses on the history of the New South Wales justice system, covering subjects such as the development of the police force and the court system, and the various punishments used in the state throughout its history. The second section focuses on the history of crime in Australia, including the development of organised crime in the state and the various types of crimes that have been committed over the years. The third section explores the impact of technology on crime, including the development of forensic science and the use of DNA profiling. The museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions exploring various aspects of crime and justice in Australia. Recent exhibitions have included ‘Behind Bars: Prisoners in New South Wales’, which explored the history of the prison system in the state; and ‘Forbidden Love: Interracial Relationships and the Law’, which explored how the law has affected relationships between people of different racial backgrounds. The Justice and Police Museum also offers a range of educational programs and activities suitable for students of all ages. These include school tours, workshops, lectures, film screenings and special events. The museum also offers a range of activities for adults such as guided tours, lectures and panel discussions. The Justice and Police Museum is an important resource for those seeking to further their understanding of the history of crime and justice in Australia. It offers a range of educational programs and activities suitable for students of all ages, and its collections and exhibitions provide an insight into the development of the justice system in New South Wales.