A chance to make split second decisions on whether to shoot or hold fire on criminals is coming to the Fens.
The Museum of Armed Policing is opening at the old Chatteris Police Station with the aim of educating and informing young people about the dangers of knives and guns.
It will run on a bookings-only basis as a three-hour tour.
Mark Williams, who set up the museum, said: “We are delighted that this national museum will be in Chatteris as it will benefit young and older people and local businesses.
“We are also pleased to have utilised the old police station in such a way. The Police Firearms Officers Association is proud to be part of the Chatteris community.
“The museum is going to be amazing. We have a state of the art electronic firearms range that puts you into a scenario where you have to make the split second decisions officers are faced with.
“We also have the following zones of armed policing history dating back to the 1600s, the story of Foxtrot One One from 1966, firearms roles and training, Hungerford, Dunblane and Cumbria massacres.”
There will also be two police shooting case studies, information on knife and gun crime, counter terrorism, other armed units and forces, post incident investigations.
Mark said: “We have managed to raise the funds we needed by some amazing sponsorship from companies we have been involved with for many years as well as Police Federations and member donations.
“We approached the Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) office and asked if they would assist with the running costs by reducing our rent for three to five years.
“Unfortunately we met with a rather negative attitude and even after asking for a meeting with the PCC only managed to speak to a member of his staff. Disappointing.”
• The Museum is set to open to the public in December. Bookings can be made via an email address which will be released nearer the time.
Priority will be given to local schools and groups. The museum will run as a guided tour to groups of up to eight people and will take around three hours. Entry is free, but donations appreciated.
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