Since the earliest days of Colonial America, law enforcement officers have played a critical role in the growth of our nation, helping to secure our lives, liberties and rights. Over the centuries, literally millions of men and women have answered the call to serve and protect and more than 18,000 officers have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

Despite the dangers and difficulties of the job, today more than 900,000 local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement officers proudly serve in communities across America and put their lives on the line for the safety and protection of others. It is an incredible story of service and sacrifice that, for the most part, has gone untold.

The need for a museum first became evident soon after the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was completed in 1991. The Memorial struck a chord and touched the hearts of Americans all across the country who expressed a keen interest in learning the stories behind the thousands of officers memorialized on the walls. The Memorial honors centuries of sacrifice; the Museum will tell the rest of the story.

The National Law Enforcement Museum, due to open in 2011, will help visitors better understand and appreciate the vital contributions our law officers have made to our nation. Without their uncommon commitment, the United States of America as we know it would not exist. The Museum will tell the story of the courageous work of the men and women who have spent their lives protecting us. It is a story of valor and hope, heroism and appreciation.

Through interactive exhibitions and compelling first-person narratives, visitors will step into the lives of American law enforcement officers throughout history. Visitors will see how law enforcement developed from a volunteer night watch to a high-tech professional force. And they'll experience the physical and emotional challenges that law enforcement professionals face every single day, seeing what it really takes to keep America free and safe.

What more fitting place for the National Law Enforcement Museum than our nation's capital? For the first time ever in our country's history, there will be a national museum where our system of law and its dedicated officers will have their stories told with candor and respect.

With the public's support, the National Law Enforcement Museum will open in 2011 as the largest museum of its kind in the world. Every visitor — young or old, law enforcement enthusiast or tourist — will have the chance to experience the excitement and thrill of defending of our Constitution and our freedom as an American law enforcement officer.