The National Law Enforcement Museum

The courage and dedication of our nation’s law enforcement officers must never be forgotten. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the more than 17,500 officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.

But there is more to the story of law enforcement — the story of more than 800,000 federal, state and local law enforcement officers serving proudly today in communities across America. Their story of service and sacrifice largely has gone untold. In fact, many Americans do not think about, let alone, appreciate law enforcement officers for the hard work they do. The National Law Enforcement Museum will tell law enforcement’s stories, and thus generate a better understanding for and appreciation of the vital contributions our law enforcement officers have made to our nation.

The Museum will tell these stories with hands-on activities, state-of-the-art interactive technology, and rotating educational exhibits. A broad and diverse audience will have the chance to “walk in an officer’s shoes,” learn how law enforcement history reflects American history, and examine how popular culture influences perceptions of policing.

Museum groundbreaking is planned for fall 2007, with the opening scheduled for 2009.