The New York City
Police Museum

Back to Issue 4

The largest police force in the United States started as a humble force of eight men in New Amsterdam. Today, the New York City Police Department has evolved into the most prestigious force in the world, and holds a special place in the city’s history. From their heroics on September 11, 2001 to battling the mafia, New York’s finest is on display at this museum.

Come find out how Theodore Roosevelt, before he became President of the United States, used his position as the President to the Board of Commissioners to hire police recruits from political affiliations how physically and mental fit they were. He also started the School of Pistol Practice, making the .32 caliber revolver the standard issue of the police department. And most interestingly, he started the first Bicycle Squad back in 1895!

Another unique exhibit is the display of various vehicles that have been used throughout the NYPD’s long history. On display is a beautiful red Indian motorcycle from the 1910s, when Police Commissioner Rhinelander Waldo started the new squad. When Indian Motorcycle went out of busines in 1953, the NYPD switched to Harley Davidson, whose bikes can also been seen at the museum.

Also parked at the New York Police Museum are various cars and paddywagons from the past, along with pictures of even more. From the classic cars of vintage cop shows from the 70s, to three-wheeled scooters, it is interesting to see how the NYPD has always stayed on the cutting edge of transportation technology.

And for the real police affiacandos, there are exhibits on the patch and shield history of the NYPD. And of course the various uniforms, from the pioneer days of New Amsterdam to the modern terrorism task forces facing today’s modern problems. Don’t forget to also see the various medals they have awarded through out the years, and the police officer’s stories behind them.

But there could not be police without criminals, and New York has had notorious ones. On display is the machine gun used by Al Capone’s gang to assasinate Frankie Yale, the first time a machine gun had been used to commit a homicide in New York City. They also have Willie Sutton’s lock pics found in his jail cell and photographs and descriptions of some of the city’s worst law-breakers, including more of their guns from by gone eras.

And finally, a permanent exhibit for an event we must never forget: “9.11 Remembered.” Exclusive on-camera interviews, striking photographs and numerous Ground Zero artifacts tell the story of NYPD’s greatest sacrifice to the city, and to our nation.

Located downtown across the street from the famous stock market bull statue in the old Cunard Line Building, the New York City Police Museum is a fasnicating stop to look at the long and extensive history of the greatest police force in the world.