For the past 150 years, a select few of Portland's bravest have taken on the perilous life of a police officer, swearing to serve and protect by any means the city and citizens within it. Paying homage to the tradition and sacrifice of the city's police, the Portland Police Museum gives visitors the opportunity to view the job as it has evolved since the city's beginnings.
Walking through cases of artifacts, visitors are treated to a meticulously arranged collection of police history. The permanent exhibit is a chronological compilation of badges, uniforms, vehicles, and other items dating from 1862 to the present. One of the more moving pieces is the firearm and bullet that paralyzed Officer Stan Harmon, which was donated by the officer himself. A rotating exhibit focuses on Lola Baldwin, credited as the nation's first female detective, and presents her journals as well as exams from her tenure as an officer.
The Portland Police Museum is a project of the Portland Police Historical Society and was established in 1976. One half of the museum is a look at the development of the Portland Police Bureau over the years. The other half consists of specific documents and photographs that display the experiences of individual officers honored by the museum.
Visitors should be aware that the museum is located inside the Justice Center and observes the same security guidelines as the courts themselves. For this reason, no weapons of any kind are allowed. In addition, should Portland be put on national alert, the museum will be closed.
Attraction Information
- Hours:
- Tuesdays through Fridays: 10am to 3pm
- Please call in advance
- Admission:
- Free
- Max Stop:
- Max Blue Line or Red Line to the Yamhill District Station
- Contact:
- Location: 1111 SW 2nd Avenue, 16th Floor, Portland, OR
- Phone: 503-823-0019
- Website: www.portlandpolicemuseum.com
