The Spokane Law Enforcement Museum is a 501 C 3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to preserving and archiving the history and events of the men and women in law enforcement. These people and events are important in the evolution of law enforcement in Spokane.

 

Glen L. Whiteley, Founder/President/Curator of the museum, started collecting law enforcement memorabilia in 1990, and in 1996 formed a 501 C 3 Non-profit organization. A board of directors was appointed and officers elected. The museum relies strictly on private donations. Membership dues are available to support the projects and administration activities. We began to look for a place to get these artifacts out into the public for view.

 

 

A volunteer must become a member of the museum in able to volunteer, and have an interest in law enforcement and the history thereof. If over 50, a volunteer may join RSVP and be reimbursed for travel expenses (gasoline), and the museum reimburses for parking ($.25 an hour in a 10 hour meter). Applicants must fill out an application, have no criminal records or history of problems, and be approved by the museum board members.

 

Memberships are available for $35.00 a year, which enables you to have free entry to the museum any time during that year. A Family membership is available for $50.00, and allows each family member to have free entry, also.

The Hallways of History is a “walk” through history through the hallways of the Spokane Police Department and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office to view historical pictures of the history of both law enforcement entities. Located in the Public Safety Building, there are also display cases with memorabilia, a “Wall of Honor” honoring those officers who have died in the line of duty in Spokane County, and other historical memorabilia on display. Tours may be scheduled through the SPLEM Historical Office.

Formed in 2003, we have been publishing a series of books: Volume I: “Life Behind The Badge-Spokane Police Department’s Founding Years 1881-1903” – Volume II: Life Behind The Badge-Spokane Police Department’s Turbulent Years 1903-1923” – Volume III (Due out the end of 2011): Life Behind The Badge-Spokane Police Department’s Transforming Years 1923-1944.” The committee is determined to work until all our history is documented up and to include the current year.

 

A sub-committee is working on the 130th Anniversary Edition “Yearbook” that will only be available to the members of the department who have worked there over those 130 years. We have set a goal to have this book completed sometime during the summer of 2012.

 

Fairmount Memorial Association has teamed up with the Spokane Law Enforcement Museum and the SPD History Book Committee to dedicate a monument to famous pioneers, community members, and significant members of our community who are buried in Fairmount Memorial Park, Greenwood Memorial Terrace, and Riverside Memorial Park.  We are committed to erecting three or more historic markers each year.  A brochure with a map for a personal driving tour through history is available at each of these cemeteries.  You can also go to the Fairmount Memorial Cemetery website for further information.  Each monument is recognizable due to the lava rock and there is a historical marker flag marking each monument as you drive through the cemeteries.

 

As of 2010, this memorial project has come under the umbrella of the museum’s 501-C-3 Non-Profit organization. The original monument was dedicated on May 16, 1987. This monument was relocated with a larger monument in a more visible location (Spokane Courthouse Courtyard) at the 1100 W. Mallon cul-de-sac on May 8, 2007. The monument is a tribute to all law enforcement officers in the State of Washington who have died in the line of duty. As of 2011, there are 309 names engraved so we will never forget! We are proud to sponsor this memorial, and celebrate with a Memorial Ceremony each May during National Law Enforcement Week. This memorable event is open to the public.