The Police Museum had another record year in 2017: there were almost 31,500 visitors. This was the largest ever number of visitors to the museum: there were 29,700 in 2016.
A very large number of tourists, in particular, visited the museum - which is located in Tampere - during the summer. Attractions included an exhibition, Public order collapses 1917 , which opened in May in celebration of the centenary of Finnish independence, and provided things to do and see for the whole family.
“Our strength lies in the fact that the exhibition offers plenty to do and see for people of all ages,” says a delighted Maritta Jokiniemi , Curator of the museum.
The exhibitions opening this year will provide experiences that are just as lively.
“The exhibition, Formally qualified - police training for 100 years , which examines the various historical stages of police training, will provide museum visitors with the chance to do pull ups and see unique films on the early days of police training. In addition, this year will see the introduction of new attractions such as the experience of driving a police car, based on the use of VR glasses.”
The Police Museum is also in the process of designing a new main exhibition to be completed in 2019.
Online exhibition on the development of the profession and its image over the century
The online exhibition, The police in independent Finland , tells visitors about the development of policing as a skill and profession over the last 100 years. Over 100 photographs, which provide an overall picture of changes in the job description of the police, have been assembled for the exhibition. The same issues can be observed in police work from one decade to the next: disturbances caused by intoxication, and other social problems. As required by Finland's legislators, from time to time the police have controlled such issues very strictly, or taken a more relaxed approach.
When Finland gained independence, police officers were feared officials, but today they are an everyday source of safety, widely trusted by citizens. The current service culture of the police was established in the 1950s, when a friendly, approachable and advisory approach began to be emphasised among constables. Through working practices, tools, equipment, training and legislative changes the profession has developed into a diverse public service working in a changing society. The popularity and appreciation of policing as a profession is exceptionally high: over 90% of citizens regard the Finnish police as reliable and impartial public servants.
The online exhibition completes the current exhibition at the Police Museum, Public order collapses 1917 . It describes the events of the year in which Finland became independent and focuses on the importance of police forces, which are trusted by citizens in an organised society.
» See the online exhibition at http://poliisi100.fi/en
» For further information about the Police Museum's opening hours and exhibitions
