Research Requests

The Museum & Discovery Centre Archives are currently undergoing new cataloguing and digitization of its materials. While this effort promises to enhance accessibility and preservation, it also means that all Research Requests will take longer than expected.

Please note that our archives may not contain the information requested; however, the $5 research request fee is mandatory and covers the time required for Museum staff to assess each inquiry. Museum and Discovery Centre policies apply specifically to requests handled by the Museum and Discovery Centre, and decisions regarding research requests, including whether a fee may be refunded, are at the discretion of this unit. In rare cases, where the information sought falls under the responsibility of another unit or process, such as a Freedom of Information request, the $5 fee may be refunded.

Submission Process

Step 1

Please download and fill out the Museum Research Request Form, then email it to [email protected].

Step 2

A fee of $5.00 is mandatory with every Research Request submission.

• Please visit the “TORONTO POLICE MUSEUM & DISCOVERY CENTRE” webpage on our 808 Gift Shop website.
• Click the “RESEARCH REQUESTS” option and once your payment is accepted, your request will be actioned.

We appreciate your patience during this process as we work to make our archives more accessible to all.

Archival Collection

The Toronto Police Service Museum & Discovery Centre’s archival collection is not open to the public for on-site research.

Due to the sensitive nature of some materials, space limitations, and preservation requirements, access to the archives is managed by Museum staff. Researchers may submit a Research Request outlining their topic and purpose, and staff will assess requests on a case-by-case basis.

When possible/relevant, Museum staff may be able to pull selected materials from the archives for onsite consultation. Any in-person research will take place under staff supervision.