Finding Police records

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family history research

Prior to the separation of Queensland in 1859, the Native Police were the main government instrument of administration of Aboriginal people. Torres Strait Islanders were under the control of the Police Magistrate on Thursday Island.

The Queensland Police Museum holds records dating back to 1864. It has copies of the Queensland Police Gazette from 1864 to the present (open access to 1935), a photographic collection, selected biographies and station histories.

General information is on open access but you'll need to contact Police Museum staff to make an appointment. Museum staff may be able to conduct research on your behalf if you are unable to visit the Museum in person.

The State Library of Queensland holds the Queensland Police Gazette from 1867 on CD-ROM and microfilm as well as police gazettes from other states. Consult Info Guide 3.27 - Police Gazettes for more information.

For other states consult the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (AIATIS) guide, Court and Police Records.

See also

Live! Queensland band culture

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Library membership

State Library of Queensland provides special library services for members who have an SLQ membership card (formerly known as an e-services card).