In recognition of the anniversary of America’s 250^th founding, the National Law Enforcement Museum presents the online exhibit, Preserving Democracy: Law Enforcement in the New Nation, to educate our visitors about the early history of American law enforcement, and how that history reflects the history of America. While law enforcement touches everyone’s lives in some way, many are unaware of how modern police departments were formed or what law enforcement looked like when the nation was founded.

The exhibit begins by discussing the early colonial origins of American law enforcement and the European models it followed. Visitors learn about the ways different cities handled different problems and how uniquely American attitudes about centralized authority created a tension between law enforcement and the people they were trying to police. The exhibit describes the challenges law enforcement encountered as the American population moved west and how officers had to adapt to a difficult, isolating environment. Finally, visitors learn how political corruption and escalating crime in 19^th century cities created the need for sweeping police reform, leading to the modern, professional departments we recognize today.

Visitors are able to view artifacts from the Museum’s collection and learn how law enforcement technology has evolved over time, from batons and paddy wagons to radios and patrol cars.