About Us
The Greater Indianapolis Law Enforcement Historical Society (GILEHS) is the organization that is overseeing the fundraising, planning, construction, and then ongoing operation of the museum.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Greater Indianapolis Law Enforcement Historical Society museum (GILEHS) showcases the unique and innovative history of law enforcement professionals in the greater Indianapolis area. The GILEHS tells the story of tens of thousands of former and current law enforcement professionals and their contributions to the rich history of Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana, and U.S. law enforcement.
We maintain the lineage and document the achievements of the diverse group of brave men and women who have left their honorable legacy on the community of Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana.
VISION STATEMENT
“To create a venue where residents of all ages can discover, interact with, and enjoy, the rich histories of our law enforcement agencies protecting the Greater Indianapolis area.”
Marion County Sheriff's Department
Established in 1821 when Hervey Bess was appointed by the state legislature as the first Sheriff. The above picture of the Marion County Jail, as it looked in 1904.
Indianapolis Police Department
Created September 1st, 1854
The above picture might be the earliest picture of the entire police force, dated 1870's.
The creation of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
January 1 2007, Indianapolis City-County Council's General Ordinance 110 went into effect. It merged the Patrol Division of the Marion County Sheriff's Department with the Indianapolis Police Department, creating a new department, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. The Indianapolis Police Department then ceased to exist at that point.
The above picture shows Sheriff Frank Anderson on the left and IMPD Chief Michael Spears. They are standing in front of the first IMPD Patrol car (2007 Ford Crown Victoria).