Artifact Spotlight

Calgary Police Discovery Centre hosts Alberta’s largest collection of policing artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, vehicles, historic casefiles, and historic evidence.

Our vast collection of policing artifacts continues to grow almost daily. From policing tools to Calgary Police uniforms, we collect all manner of law enforcement implements, uniforms, and regalia. We also actively collect personal mementos and memorabilia of current and former Calgary Police members. By the numbers our artifact collection includes:

  • Over 2000 uniform items including: shirts, pants, boots, belts, gloves, and headwear
  • More than 4000 regalia pieces including: pins, buttons, badges, uniform flashes, and medals
  • Excess of 1000 artifacts that illustrate the way science and the art of photography has evolved through the 20th century
  • Tools and occupational equipment both unique to policing and universally necessary such as: radios, computers, call boxes, radar guns, breathalyzers, body armour, and much more!

If you are in possession of any items that you think may be of interest to the Calgary Police Interpretive Centre’s collection and are willing to consider a donation to the museum, please send an email with the history and description of the item to us at archives.

Radar Detector

This artifact isn’t a police tool it’s a tool for avoiding police! This ‘radar detector’ was devised to alert a driver of their impending approach to a radar speed detection. The clip allowed the device to affix to the user’s sun visor.

The Century Camera

The Calgary Police purchased this second-hand Century Camera No. 2 in 1915. It was used by Identification Section officers to take thousands of mugshot photos for more than 50 years –until 1978. Without this camera, the museum’s mugshot collection would not exist. This artifact is currently on display in our Rogue’s Gallery Exhibit and is one of our most valued collection pieces. Come visit the Rogue’s Gallery during our public hours to see the camera and learn more about this fascinating time period in Calgary’s Policing history.

Vintage Breathalyzer

This classic piece of tech was used by the CPS Check Stop and Traffic Unit from the 1970s to the early 1990s. Before digital upgrades and fancy attachments like keyboards, this was the frontline tool in detecting impaired drivers.
It’s a reminder of how far policing tools have come—and how long CPS has been committed to keeping our roads safe.

Anemometer

This compact weather device once played an important role in the work of the Calgary Police Service Traffic Unit. Used to measure wind speed at collision scenes, the anemometer helped officers assess whether weather conditions—particularly strong winds—may have been contributing factors in traffic accidents.
By gathering accurate environmental data, officers were better equipped to understand the circumstances surrounding a collision and improve road safety measures for the future.
A small tool with a big impact in keeping Calgary’s roads safe.

A Hidden Lifeline: The Lipstick Leaflet

At first glance, it looks like an ordinary lipstick tube — but inside, it held something far more powerful than makeup.
These clever tools were discreetly distributed by police to women facing difficult situations. Inside each tube was a hidden leaflet, listing vital resources: 📞 essential phone numbers, 📍 safe addresses, and practical advice like how to create a personal safety plan.
In times of crisis, when asking for help openly wasn’t always an option, this small, everyday item became a lifeline — helping women access the support they needed while staying under the radar.
This artifact is a powerful reminder of community care, innovation, and the importance of accessible support.

Senior Detectives

We can’t wait to welcome campers for an unforgettable summer! Get ready for hands‑on police‑themed activities, new friendships, and the chance to meet some special Calgary Police Service guests.

4-Day Summer Camp | 10-12 year olds

Lil’ Constables

We can’t wait to welcome campers for an unforgettable summer! Get ready for hands‑on police‑themed activities, new friendships, and the chance to meet some special Calgary Police Service guests.

4-Day Summer Camp | 6-7 year olds

Crack the case. Uncover the clues. Have the best summer ever!

Book Now

Junior Sergeants

We can’t wait to welcome campers for an unforgettable summer! Get ready for hands‑on police‑themed activities, new friendships, and the chance to meet some special Calgary Police Service guests.

4-Day Summer Camp | 8-9 Year Olds

Calgary's Safest place to have fun

Admission is FREE! The parking is FREE! However we do accept donations to help fund our innovative approach to education, expand our programs and events for students, youth, adults, families and our community.

Museum Admission