Collection Highlights
The Museum's collection includes more than 25,000 objects which span over 300 years of American law enforcement history.
The National Law Enforcement Museum’s collection includes a wide range of materials, from photographs, letters, and handwritten blotters to uniforms, handcuffs, and radios. The collection includes items from the everyday life of a law enforcement officer as well as objects showcasing historic figures like J. Edgar Hoover and objects from important events including the Lindbergh kidnapping trial, the September 11th attacks, and the 2002 DC Sniper shootings. The Museum’s goal is to preserve these objects and their stories and use carefully curated exhibitions and programs to showcase the experiences of law enforcement professionals.
Comic Book, 1970
Part of the Museum’s collection on law enforcement in pop culture, this comic book features stories about the Texas Rangers, the first statewide law enforcement agency in the country.
Acts and Laws of His Majesty’s Province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England, 1759
This law book, one of the oldest objects in the Museum’s collection, includes many of the English-derived laws that governed early American policing, including law enforcement institutions like sheriffs and constables.
Mug shot card, 1919
Before fingerprinting was widespread, a system called Bertillion measurements was used to identify suspects. This card features the unique body measurements of a man arrested in Detroit, including the size of his right ear.
Come-Along, 1874
This one-handed restraint, a pre-cursor to handcuffs, was used by wrapping the chain around a suspect’s wrist and holding the two bars between the officer’s fingers.
Art Deco Clock (Date Unknown)
This clock is part of the J. Edgar Hoover Collection, a large group of objects donated by the J. Edgar Hoover Foundation which features thousands of items from the personal life of the FBI’s founding director.
Policewoman’s Purse, 1969
This purse was part of the patrol uniform of Officer Cecilia Vega when she joined the Phoenix (AZ) Police Department. Instead of a duty belt, female officers were issued this purse which features all the same compartments inside, including a holster.
Jumpsuit, 1993
This jumpsuit was worn by FBI Bomb Technician Bill Matens during the investigation of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.
Photograph, 1974
Officer James Bosco, of the Garden City (NY) Police Department, demonstrates the use of their newest traffic tech. The radar gun, a 1974 CRI Speedgun, is calibrated with a tuning fork to ensure accuracy in the field.
Photograph of Lt. Henry Bullhead, circa 1890
Lieutenant Henry Bullhead, photographed here in traditional clothing, was part of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the head of a group of Native officers who arrested Sioux leader Sitting Bull in 1890. Sitting Bull’s supporters attacked the officers during the arrest; Lt. Bullhead is believed to have shot Sitting Bull before he and five other officers were killed.
Traffic Template, (Date Unknown)
This plastic traffic template was used by police officers to diagram traffic incidents. The stencil helps to create clear, precise diagrams for records and use in court.
Fingerprint Brushes and Ink Roller, Circa 1940s
These tools are part of a field fingerprinting kit; the brushes were used to distribute fingerprint powder at crime scenes. The ink roller was used to take fingerprints from suspects and victims.
1990 Chevrolet Caprice, Used 2002
This blue sedan was used by John Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo during the 2002 Beltway Sniper Attacks. A hole was cut in the trunk just above the license plate, which allowed them to shoot victims from inside the vehicle.
Borrowing from the Museum
LOAN INQUIRY
The Museum’s collection is available to borrow for exhibitions at qualifying institutions.
The Museum’s collection is available to borrow for exhibitions at qualifying institutions.
Object Donation Inquiries
POTENTIAL DONATION FORM
We are always interested in expanding our collection on American law enforcement. If you are interested in donating an object, please download the form below.
We are always interested in expanding our collection on American law enforcement. If you are interested in donating an object, please download the form below.
Research Inquiries
RESEARCH REQUEST
The Museum's collection is accessible for research and study by appointment. Click below to request more information.
The Museum's collection is accessible for research and study by appointment. Click below to request more information.