Law Enforcement Offers Get Free Admission to Alcatraz East Crime Museum During National Police Week

Alcatraz East Crime Museum, located in Pigeon Forge, is celebrating law enforcement with free admission and new exhibits

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (April 29, 2024)—Alcatraz East Crime Museum is honoring law enforcement during National Police Week from May 12, 2024, through May 18, 2024. During the special week, law enforcement officers will be eligible for free admission and additional perks, and they will open some new related exhibits. Law enforcement officers are invited to visit during the week and explore the new exhibits dedicated to them and what they do for our communities.

“We are highlighting law enforcement all week and want to show our appreciation for what they do to help keep us all safer,” says Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “We appreciate their tireless efforts to keep our communities safe and the sacrifices they make each day.”

The special week will celebrate all law enforcement officers and honor those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. During National Police Week, all law enforcement officers can show their current badge for free admission into the museum. They will also be able to get half-off admission for up to four guests who accompany them. Tickets can be obtained at the box office when visiting.

New exhibits will honor law enforcement and be ready for guests to explore. The new exhibits include:

• Hustling Heroes – Guests can test their ability to catch suspects in a foot chase with this new interactive exhibit in the Police Training Room. Guests will also learn about the dangers of foot pursuits that police are involved in daily, which put them at a tactical disadvantage. 
• National Law Enforcement Patch Display – Guests can check out a display of law enforcement patches from around the country. The various authentic patches represent local, state, and federal agencies.
• California Highway Patrol Cruiser Door – Alcatraz East Crime Museum obtained a rare vehicle door from a California Highway Patrol vehicle that is now on display in the Police Training room.

“We look forward to having officers visit with their families during this week,” added Pennington. “It’s a great way to show their families more about their work and put them in the spotlight.”

National Police Week, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, was signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. He designated a week in May each year as Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day. The purpose is to recognize the contribution police officers make. May 14 is designated as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of officers who have been killed in the line of duty. Each year, a variety of activities take place in Washington, DC, where thousands of officers gather for the week.

The museum features over 100 exhibits and interactives and four temporary exhibit spaces, with many famous items on display, including Al Capone’s rosary, Ted Bundy’s dental molds, and Charles Manson’s acoustic guitar.They also hold various programs throughout the year, including an annual highlight of 9/11 and a biennial art contest that puts graffiti in the spotlight.This top museum is open at 10 a.m. daily. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available for an additional fee for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team building, or other special events. To get a discounted rate for groups of 15 or more, complete the online form and allow up to 72 hours for confirmation. For more information about tickets, discounts, temporary exhibits, and all the museum offers, visit the site: https://www.alcatrazeast.com.

Alcatraz East Crime Museum has updated its board of crime experts, which includes Derwin Bradley, a retired master police officer; James R. Knight, a crime writer; Robin Maynard, a certified crime scene investigator in Florida; Derek Newport, a law enforcement veteran who worked for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 20 years; and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who presided over the notorious case against Casey Anthony, among others.

About Alcatraz East

Alcatraz East is the most arresting crime museum in the United States. Guests of all ages can encounter a unique journey into the history of American crime, crime-solving, and our justice system. Through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, Alcatraz East is an entertaining and educational experience for all ages – so much fun it’s a crime! This family attraction is at The Island’s entrance, 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. The last ticket is sold 60 minutes before closing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.alcatrazeast.com.