From our country's beginnings, law enforcement has continuously evolved to keep up with America's rapidly changing society. Step back in history to discover the roots of American law enforcement and follow its progression into the 21st century. History comes alive through the stories of police officers who share their unique perspectives.

View a life-size night watchman and historic artifacts that depict the beginnings of law enforcement. From its early European origins to the role that law enforcement played on the streets of our growing cities and expansion to the West, trace how America's intricate network of local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement evolved.

View the Our Nation's First Officers exhibition »

Learn about the continuing evolution of law enforcement and explore some of the notorious crimes of the 1920s and 1930s. Examine the beginnings of professionalism on the police force, learn about the origins of organized crime and meet the dedicated men of the Treasury and other agencies (T-Men and G-Men) — as well as some of the most heinous, famous criminals of the 20th century.

View the A Professional Force exhibition »

Stand on both sides of the barricades during the tumultuous 1960s and 1970s. Understand the difficult position police found themselves in as they needed to enforce conflicting laws that sometimes challenged their own beliefs .Appreciate their complicated position as a symbol of authority in the eyes of a growing counterculture and learn about their struggle to keep the peace during these challenging times.

View the Keeping the Peace exhibition »

Drug wars, terrorism, anti-piracy issues and human trafficking — American law enforcement is no longer confined to the physical boundaries of the United States. Examine the changing role of American law enforcement in the 21st century as agencies work to address issues and activities that are truly worldwide in scope.

View The World Beat exhibition »

For an even greater understanding of the evolution of law enforcement and the types of crimes they have faced throughout our country's history, keep an eye out for the interactive Crime and Federal Agency kiosks placed at key historical moments throughout the gallery.

View the Crime and Federal Agency Kiosks »