Added 07-30-2002

Added 07-30-2002

Added 07-30-2002

The Sheriff’s Museum is located in Old Town State Historic Park at 2384 San Diego Avenue.  There is no admission fee and it opened to the public in July 2001.  The museum is located next to the site of the first jail in San Diego, which was constructed of cobblestone.  The museum contains over 30 exhibits incorporating the many aspects of law enforcement.  

You will find historical items contrasted with modern day exhibits, including weapons, communications, fingerprinting, and bomb/arson.  The detentions exhibit offers a realistic view of what it was like to be incarcerated then and now.  The California History exhibit depicts Old Town, where San Diego had its beginnings.  You will have the opportunity to view an exhibit from the training academy, where recruits receive practical and classroom knowledge to accomplish their assignments in detentions and patrol.  Other exhibits include the Special Enforcement Detail, K-9 detail, DARE, Juvenile Diversion, Gangs and Narcotics, Crime Prevention, Senior Volunteers, and Reserves, both law enforcement and Search and Rescue.  You will also view an exhibit showing the nine contract cities that contract for police services from the Sheriff.  A model courtroom provides a realistic backdrop of a day in court.  The final display is the Gallery of Honor.  In this special room, respect and gratitude are offered to those who gave their lives in the line of duty.  For those interested in purchasing memorabilia, a gift shop is located on the premises.