Celebration marks 150 years of change in Cape law enforcement

Members of the community joined members of the Cape Girardeau Police Department on Saturday at the Cape River Heritage Museum to celebrate the department's 150th anniversary.

Exhibits featuring historical weapons, past uniforms and other artifacts allowed visitors a glimpse of how crime was once fought. The department's present K-9 unit, DARE car and bicycle unit were also present to show how police work has changed through a century and a half.

"We have the very modern equipment that we use currently, versus the equipment that was used through the history of the police department," said Lt. Tracy Lemmons. "We have our old radio that we used to use, as opposed to the communications center that we now have at fire station number three just to show how we have evolved through the years."

The building housing the museum was built in 1909 to house the police and fire station. In 1960 the police department moved to the corner of Sprigg and Independence streets, said Viney Mosley, volunteer director for the Cape River Heritage Museum.

Past members of the Cape Girardeau Police Department were at the celebration to visit with friends and to reflect on the different approaches in police work through the years.

"I started with the auxiliary police back in '61 and switched over to the regular department in '62. It is nice to get to see all the folks I worked with," said Albert Moore of Cape Girardeau. Moore retired from the department in 1995 but stayed as a reserve commander.

"There has been a big change in crime and the techniques for apprehending criminals. Everything has improved over the years," Moore said.

Members of the community also attended the event to learn more about the department.

"I wanted to look at what 150 years of policing looks like. The difference in the old jail downstairs and what they put people in now in the new jail is really different," said Norm Robert of Cape Girardeau.

Mosley said she and the museum's board of directors were pleased to host Saturday's event.

"The museum's mission is to promote the history of the area and its organizations. That includes helping the community celebrate the police department's anniversary," she said.

Pertinent addresses

40 S. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703

538 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63703