Help us honor Detroit's heroes with a Virtual Above & Beyond
November 12th, 2020
7 pm - 8pm
Detroit Police Museum & Gift Shop
Public Safety Headquarters
1301 Third Street, 3rd Floor
Detroit, MI 48226
Jeff Lemaux, Curator
248-245-0720 - Cell Phone
Open to the Public
Monday - Friday
10:30 am - 4:30 pm
Closed on Wednesdays during the summer
Call in advance to ensure the museum is open: 313-628-2169
The Detroit Police Museum & Gift Shop showcases more than 150 years of DPD history. The Gift Shop contains Detroit Police merchandise. All proceeds from the DPD Gift Shop go to the Detroit Public Safety Foundation.
The Museum displays DPD's rich history at the Detroit Public Safety Headquarters.
In the 1950s the "Iron Man" was used as a bulletproof suit or body armor. It was designed to protect officers over a large area of their body.
An original jail cell was removed from 1300 Beaubien behind the 1st precinct desk. It is now on display at the DPD Museum along with many photos of Detroit's early criminals.
Display cases are changed periodically for special occasions or events. For Black History Month, the display highlighted the contributions of African American officers within the DPD.
Uniforms and equipment have changed drastically over the years. This outfit on display is a replica of an early Detroit uniform and was worn during the 1970s.
The Detroit Police Department was established in 1865 by an act of state legislature. Beginning with 40 officers, the department quickly grew to keep up with the booming city. By 1896, the department had 472 officers and a numbering system for precincts was instituted.
Central Station was the first Detroit Police Department location on Hawley Street between Woodbridge Street and Bates Street. May 1865
In 1897 the first Bike Patrol was added to the force. The Bike Patrol allowed officers to cover more ground and respond to the rapidly expanding city.
The first police car was purchased in 1909 by Commissioner Frank H. Croul. The Packard cost $350 and Croul paid for it with his own money.