4 things to know as the Wilmington Police Department opens a museum and education center

A grand opening for the Wilmington Police Department Museum and Education Center was held Wednesday afternoon at the headquarters on Bess Street.

It was built to honor the department's history and to engage the community.

Brandon Shope, WPD communications specialist, said the creation of the new law enforcement museum will provide numerous benefits for the community and the police department that will make an impact on many lives for years to come.

"The purpose of our museum is to bridge the gap between the police department and the community, and to highlight the history of our agency and city," Shope said. "The museum will serve as a permanent community engagement tool that can serve our community and will connect citizens from all backgrounds with our agency."

What's inside?

The museum has artifacts collected over the years, dating back to the 1800s.

In addition, the museum will become an extension of a memorial to honor officers who died in the line of duty. It will also include the history of policing and interactive educational opportunities.

"Our goal is for schools and civic groups to make this space an annual learning stop for them," he said. "We feel this is a very productive project and will help to bridge the gap between all citizens and our agency by allowing citizens to see firsthand how law enforcement is a great profession for people to enter. Our internal staff has been researching and working with other museums and departments to create a world class location that can serve our citizens and agency for years to come."

How was it built?

Wilmington's City Council approved an ordinance for the police department to use $40,000 of North Carolina Drug Tax Revenue to create the museum. The revenue program is an excise tax on illegal drugs, liquor, and mixed beverages. A portion of the funds are divided to law enforcement agencies across the state.

Funds were previously used for things such as training, equipment and educational materials.

During a council meeting, Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams said the museum is a way to engage the community and spoke about his experience of visiting as a child.

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Honoring longtime chief

Part of the museum includes a recreation of a former chief's office.

Chief Darryl Bruestle was the department’s longest-serving chief. It includes his desk and uniform among other items.

How to visit

Tours for the Museum and Education Center are available by contacting Letecia Holiday at 910-343-3945 or by email at policeengagementrequests@wilmingtonnc.gov.

Admission is free. The museum is located at 615 Bess St.

"We see this museum as a place for the public to visit with us in a manner that is not service driven," he said. "There will be opportunities for connecting and learning about the history of the department."

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Reporter Chase Jordan can be reached at cjjordan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: What to know as Wilmington police open museum and education center