in association with the Essex Justice Board, Essex Police, Essex County Council and Essex Prison Service on Sunday 13th September 2009

Inside Justice – Your criminal justice system was unveiled at Chelmsford’s Shire Hall and HM Prison Chelmsford and was free for all the family!!

Visitors discovered how Shire Hall has been linked to criminal justice in Essex for almost two centuries and witnessed a mock court hearing, re-enactment of a 19th century execution, control and restraint demonstrations and birds of prey, trained by young offenders

They also met dogs and handlers from Essex Police Dog Unit and were able to go into a mock prison cell – and discover how prisoners live and how prisoners are transported in a SERCO escort vehicle.

Displays of historic items from Essex Police Museum were also on view in the County Room as well as a display showing the history of Springfield County Gaol

Visitors were able to see how youth justice has changed over 100 years and there was also a display of artwork by Essex prisoners – on sale in aid of Victim Support in Essex

Visitors were able to try

Chelmsford town crier outside the Shire Hall

What it was like to be in the stocks

The courtroom game

Dressing up in historic clothing

The Criminal Justice Board Challenge

and hear

Historic Essex tales told by a professional storyteller which were

suitable for all the family