Firearm Policies

General Information

The National Law Enforcement Museum at the Motorola Solutions Foundation Building, like all museums in Washington, DC, restricts visitors from carrying firearms and weapons while inside the building.

Are weapons or firearms permitted inside the Museum?

  • Weapons and firearms are not permitted inside the Museum unless being carried by a current or retired member of law enforcement with appropriate credentials.
  • Current or retired members of law enforcement may choose to check their weapon with Museum security.
  • Checked weapons will be held in secure storage lockers for the duration of a guest’s visit and can be collected at the end of their visit.
  • No firearms are permitted in the Training Simulator and must be checked before entering this exhibit.

Can law enforcement officers carry firearms in the Museum?

  • Current law enforcement officers with valid credentials will be permitted to carry their service weapons within the Museum.
  • Officers must notify Museum security of their status upon arrival and present their credentials for inspection by Museum security.

What jurisdictions can carry firearms in the Museum?

  • All active, full-duty, and duly sworn Federal, state, municipal, county, tribal, railroad, territorial, constabulary, and military law enforcement officers are permitted to carry their service weapons in the Museum.
  • Officers must notify Museum staff of their status upon arrival and present their credentials for inspection by Museum security.

Can retired law enforcement officers carry firearms in the Museum?

  • In accordance with the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA), retired law enforcement officers in good standing with their respective agencies and having the appropriate credentials will be permitted to carry their firearm when visiting the Museum.
  • Retired officers must notify Museum Security of their status upon arrival and present their credentials for inspection by Museum security.

Carrying firearms in Washington, DC

  • Open carrying of handguns is illegal in Washington, DC even with a permit.
  • Washington, DC does not honor concealed-carry permits issued in other states.
  • Visitors are not permitted to carry firearms or weapons while visiting the Museum.
  • We advise all visitors review the regulations of Washington, DC before traveling with firearms.