The Role of the Museum

Enhancing public understanding of American law enforcement

With cutting-edge interactive exhibitions and state-of-the-art audio/visual programs, the first-ever National Law Enforcement Museum will serve as an important bridge between law enforcement's past and present, between the heroes of yesteryear and those who have followed in their footsteps, and between America's peace officers and the public they serve. The Museum is designed to increase public understanding and support for law enforcement and to promote law enforcement safety in a world-class facility that will add character and depth to the already rich museum community in our nation's capital.

A Hands-On Interactive Experience

Located just steps away from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and surrounded by our country's most treasured museums and monuments, this Museum will be a hands-on interactive experience — an inspiring "glimpse behind the badge" — that teaches the story that has largely gone untold about the officers who serve as vital and valued parts of American society.

A Repository for Historical and Contemporary Artifacts

As with any world-class museum, research, education, exhibition and preservation are core values of the National Law Enforcement Museum. We are preserving historical artifacts, manuscripts, books, oral histories and other objects that chronicle the development of America's civil society. The Museum is a repository of a wide variety of materials that document the collective experience of law enforcement officers — and the collection grows daily.

A Public Forum and Research Center

Not only will the Museum have core exhibitions that provide a dynamic learning experience, it will also serve as a public forum for discussions, lectures and conferences; provide educational programs for students, families and the general public; and offer in-depth research opportunities in the areas of law enforcement history and safety.

Accessible to All

The National Law Enforcement Museum is being designed for easy accessibility for all people, regardless of physical ability. Of the anticipated hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, many will be school-aged children. Plus, the Museum will be the symbolic and physical community center for all law enforcement officers as well as a place of honor for every American who has ever worn a badge or walked a beat.