Arresting Images

Feb 27, 2010 - Apr 5, 2010

Mug Shots from the OPP Museum

Arresting Images features 100 historic mug shots from The OPP Museum’s permanent collection, dating from 1886 to 1908. The exhibition provides a first and rare opportunity for the public to view these historical photographic portraits since they were originally collected in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The collection was assembled by the Niagara Falls “Ontario Police” - precursors of today’s Ontario Provincial Police.

Arresting Images highlights historical themes and social circumstances of the period addressing the subjects of crime and law enforcement as well as the emerging use of photographic portraits as a police identification tool.

Represented in the collection are pickpockets, confidence men, escaped fugitives, shoplifters, horse thieves, burglars, safe blowers and others. These images are compelling, fascinating and thought provoking.

Arresting Images is The OPP Museum’s inaugural travelling exhibition. In October of 2009 it received an Award of Excellence from the Ontario Museum Association for its innovative approach, exhibition design and curatorial quality. For more information about Arresting Images and The OPP Museum visit www.opp.ca/museum. Launched in May of 2009, Arresting Images is continuing its travels across the province, and Canada.