Toronto, Ontario, the province’s capital, officially became a city in 1834. Those were the wild and woolly days of building a nation, so the city’s first step was to create a police force. Visitors can learn all about its history at the Toronto Police Museum & Discovery Centre city attraction.
Linda’s Pick of the Exhibits
I always find it useful to dig through a place to get at its roots. With the Toronto Police Museum that was the No. 7 replica station. The exhibit was set up as it would have been in the early 20th century.
Initially, the force consisted of 5 full-time constables and 14 reserve special constables. In 1900, the Toronto Police Force had approximately 590 officers. At the time, Toronto’s population was around 208,000.
So how exactly did policing work before two-way radios, the 911 dispatch system that use telephones, and surveillance equipment? It wasn’t easy!
In the beginning, sergeants sent messages by asking passers-by to find the officer on the beat and relay the message.
That, as you can imagine, wasn’t terribly efficient.
So, in 1888 the city installed 60 call boxes (see image) that operated on electricity. Call boxes let sergeants signal constables instantly.
All the officer had to do was bang the gong and turn on the flashing red light!
Fast Fact: The flashing red lights at the top of the call box provided coded messages. One flash meant the call was for the constable on the beat. Two flashes indicated there was information for all officers. Three flashes alerted everyone to an emergency.
The interior of Police Station No. 7 was also furnished. By today’s standards the beautiful wooden desks and artifacts would be luxurious. However, in those days they simply served the purpose.
What’s in the Toronto Police Museum?
The Toronto Police Museum & Discovery Centre is part of the Toronto Police Headquarters. It occupies 3,000 sq. feet in the atrium on the main floor and is accessible after you go through security.
There are six exhibitions, one of which of course is The Police Station No. 7. The other exhibits include:
- Investigative procedures
- History of criminal cases
- Vehicles of the service
- Policing artifacts
- To our fallen officers
Toronto Police Mounted Unit
I found lots of fascinating historical facts as I walked through the exhibits. Having grown up on a horse ranch, it’s always interesting to me to learn how important horses have been historically. The Toronto Police Mounted Unit was formed in 1886.
It’s purpose? To stop a rash of “wild riders and drivers” frightening residents north of Bloor Street. Seven expert horsemen with cavalry experience had five horses to work with. Most officers used bicycles to get around quickly.
Fast Fact: The Toronto Police Force switched from bicycles to motorcycles in 1911. Six years later they added Ford cars as the first patrol cars.
They still have a Mounted Unit. It’s used for crowd control and public order, patrolling parks and public spaces, and search and rescue operations.
In the 1950s the police vehicle fleet expanded to include 3-wheeled motorcycles.
Fast Fact: Police officers nicknamed the 3-wheeled motorcycles as "Pie Wagons." These pie wagons combined the carrying capability of cars with the maneuverability of motorcycles.
Toronto Police Marine Unit
The Metropolitan Toronto Police Marine Unit patrols the city’s shoreline 24×7 year-round. The shoreline runs from the Humber River to Bluffers’ Park.
As you might expect, rescuing people in trouble on the water is a key responsibility. The rescues range from boating emergencies to falling through the ice.
Marine officers also:
- Guard visiting state and military ships
- Report on water pollution and navigation hazards
- Educate individuals and community groups on water and boating safety
Linda’s Road Trip Tips
I visit Toronto often to visit family, so have been exploring the city by the rapid transit system. On this visit, I got off the train at Union Station then went exploring. The nearest subway station is College Station on the corner of College St. and Yonge St.
The museum is just five-minute walk to Queen’s Park. It’s an urban park that opened in 1860 and is home to the Ontario Legislative Building. If you’re looking for a unique afternoon, try one of the tours offered by the Legislature. These free guided tours are available year-round.
An afternoon tea is also available at a reasonable cost.
When it comes to additional museums, there are a number to choose from that are close by. My two favorites are:
- Hockey Hall of Fame & Museum (sports)
- Casa Loma (98 room historic house museum)
Who Should Visit the Toronto Police Museum?
The Toronto Police Museum & Discovery Centre is a great free (donation box) Toronto attraction. Whether you’re a history buff or just interested in learning more about the city, you’ll find the museum interesting.
For those interested in law enforcement, the museum is the perfect stop. It also has good coverage of forensics:
- Investigative procedures
- Development of witness questioning
- DNA analysis
- True crime stories.
It’s a fun museum for families with some interactive parts for the kids.
There’s a classic Plymouth police car from the 1980s with a live radio feed. Kids can pretend to respond to the calls.
As well, there’s a guessing game to differentiate between real and fake police weapons.
The museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible with ramps. There’s also a gift shop that raises funds for the museum.
How Do You Visit the Toronto Police Museum & Discovery Centre
The Toronto Police Museum and Discovery Centre is in the downtown core area, making it a popular attraction.
Parking: Toronto Police Headquarters have underground parking. However, it may be limited or subject to availability. Metered street parking may also vary depending on time of day. There are also Green P parking lots at the College Park Garage or M5 Parking Garage (further away).
Street Address: 40 College St. Toronto, Ontario
The museum is open year-round, typically on weekdays. Check specific days and hours on the Toronto Police website.
Take a virtual tour with this YouTube video from the Toronto Police Service.
Check out what’s happening with the Toronto Police Service Facebook page.
Plan your visit with Google maps.
Read More Ontario Museum Reviews
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Reference(s)
L. M. (1980). History of Metro Toronto (Canada) Police Force. Police Marksman, 5(1), 4-7. https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/history-metro-toronto-canada-police-fforce
guide2museums.com 