Dayton History is proud to partner with the Dayton Police Department for a very unique exhibit!

On display from May 3rd to October 31st 2008, in the Dicke Family Transportation Center at Carillon Historical Park

More information can also be found on the Dayton Police FOP website

The Grand Opening of the Dayton Police History Exhibit coincides with the commemoration of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Week in May.  This exhibit follows the evolution of the police profession and honors its sacrifices.  The setting is the Dicke Family Transportation Center.   Originally scheduled for a 30-day showing, this exhibit is being extended to October 2008.

The theme of the exhibit is "Patrolling the Streets of Dayton – The History of the City of Dayton Police Force".  It chronicles the ways by which the Dayton police force has protected the public since the time Dayton Township appointed its first constable in 1797 to the city of present day.  There will be an extensive photographic history depicting all forms of patrol:  the walking beat, horse, wagon, bicycle, motorcycle, touring auto, patrol cruiser, boat, helicopter and special patrol details.  On display will be police artifacts, tools of the profession and technological innovations significantly changing police patrol practices, from the call box to the modern-day mobile dispatch terminal communication system. 

Here is a preview of just a few of the things you will find at the Dayton Police History Exhibit:

• Post Civil War, the Dayton Police Force was first organized in 1867 and soldiers were appointed to the new profession of police patrolmen.  Actual equipment used by these officers will be on display as depicted in photos of assembled officers from 1876 and 1888.

• Circa 1890 peeler police hats, 1900 clubs/batons and police patrol call boxes circa 1920 and 1945… the utility of these artifacts will be photo illustrated and explained.

• J. Edgar Hoover named him FBI’s Public Enemy No. 1… John Dillinger.  Arrested in Dayton in 1933, his confiscated Colt .38 Super semi-automatic handgun and the handcuffs placed on him by a Dayton officer will be on display, along with the story of his capture.

• The 1947 local arrest record of George ‘Bugs’ Moran, leader of  Chicago’s north-side Irish gang that rivaled Al Capone’s south-side Italian gang.  Moran – the main target who escaped the slaughter of his gang in the ‘St. Valentine’s Day Massacre’ – did not escape his Dayton crime.  Convicted of a $10,000 armed robbery in west Dayton, ‘Bugs’ Moran was sentenced to 10-25 years behind penitentiary bars.

• A replica 1969 Dodge Coronet Dayton police cruiser used in the filming of the movie “Circumstances of Fate”.  The film producers are launching their website the first week of May – www.MovieBigShot.com – where the ’69 Dodge appears in the movie trailer.  This replicated Dayton police cruiser will be given away on the website in a drawing scheduled for the end of October 2008.

• The unique history of African Americans and Women in Law Enforcement is placed in fresh perspective and is distinguished by heroic actions, sacrifices and progress.

• The 24 Dayton police officers who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty will be honored in a memorial tribute marking their end of watch.

• Portraits of those serving as Dayton Police Chiefs since 1867 and career dates leading the police force.  Also on display will be an evolution of weapons, holsters, leather gear, radios and uniforms.  Bicycle and horse patrols re-emerged in the 1990’s; their hardware will be on display.    See the past, see the present, see all that has changed… as well as all that has not.

The Dayton Police History Exhibit is underwritten by it following sponsors:

• Star Sponsors: Miami Valley Crime Stoppers; Orbit Movers & Erectors; CODE Credit Union; the City of Dayton and Sandy’s Towing.
• Gold Sponsors:  United Business Services; Dayton FOP Lodge No. 44 and Dayton Stencil.
• Blue Sponsors:  Meijers; Vance’s Shooters Supplies and Tobin Bros. Moving & Storage.

Other business contributors include Sentry, Inc., Rankin & Houser, Inc. and Doll, Jansen & Ford and Wright State University Paul L. Dunbar Library. 

Donations for this continuing law enforcement educational project may be sent to:

Dayton Police History Project

P.O. Box 293157

Dayton, OH 45429-9157

The funds raised will be used to pay for future Dayton police exhibits having different themes (e.g. CSI, special tactics teams, etc.) and for the continued efforts to establish a permanent police museum.

This project is endorsed by the Dayton Police Department and Dayton Fraternal Order of Police.