New Jersey State Police Museum
PO Box 7068
River Road
West Trenton, NJ 08628-0068
(609) 882-2000, ext. 6401
www.njspmuseum.org

In 1921, a 25-year old Colonel H. Norman Schwarzkopf selected a class of 120 recruits and supervised their rigorous training at a camp at Sea Girt. Eighty-one completed the course and were assigned their duties as the first New Jersey State Troopers on December 5, 1921.

Those first officers were deployed on horseback and motorcycle to enforce the laws in New Jersey's 7,500 square miles. They carried the law to the far corners of the state. "A" Troop was headquartered in Hammonton, and "B" Troop in Netcong. These pioneer days were certainly an adventure! And visitors can get a good idea of what it was like at this exceptional museum.

A tour begins with an introductory video, followed by a view of the exhibit, Honor, Duty, Fidelity. A following exhibit details tough Trooper Training with artifacts, photos, and yet another video.

The Lindbergh Kidnapping can be examined here through actual ransom notes, the ladder used by the kidnapper, and a variety of other material including a video of the Fox Movietone News with Trial Footage. The Museum also houses an extensive research library on the Lindbergh Case (can be used by appointment).

An exhibit on Police Protection illustrates early police facilities, transportation, and weaponry and features a Harley Davidson motorcycle, highlights on the Police Marine Bureau and more. And an instructional video highlights the wide variety of jobs available within the force.

One fascinating exhibit on Criminal Investigation shows the equipment used by the Crime Scene Identification Unit. Surveillance equipment can be seen here, as well as forensic lab gear, fingerprint-lifting tools, and much more. Visitors may use the interactive microscopes to view their fingerprints, gaining a better understanding of the techniques used to investigate crime scenes. An exhibit from the Ballistics Unit displays more than 100 firearms seized during the course of a criminal investigation.

Of several other exhibits, one includes several old police vehicles and even a brand new cruiser. Visitors can sit behind the wheel, turn on the "cherry tops," and listen to the police radio.

The New Jersey State Police has created a legacy of honor and service, as well as a unique, fun and educational museum that puts visitors in touch with one of the nation's best organizations. A visit takes about an hour and a half.

School Groups have a wonderful resource at the State Police Museum. A group will be met by a Trooper who will give a brief history of the State Police. Then the group will go on a self-guided tour of the Museum that imparts special insight not only into the history and activities of the State Troopers, but into the history of the entire State. Teachers can request a Teacher's Guide and/or a Lindbergh Case Study Guide that they can use before and after a museum visit.