Alcatraz East Crime Museum, located in Pigeon Forge, will have law enforcement animals for the public to visit
PIGEON FORGE, Tennessee (May 5, 2022) – In addition to honoring law enforcement officers during National Police Week, Alcatraz East Crime Museum will be recognizing law enforcement animals throughout the month of May 2022. During National Police Week, May 15-21, 2022, visitors who work in law enforcement will receive discounted admission rates. All visitors this month can learn about law enforcement animals and get a chance to meet K9s and horses who work in the field.
“Many people do not realize the important role animals play in law enforcement, which is why we are spotlighting them,” says Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager for Alcatraz East. “Law enforcement animals are fascinating, intelligent, and crucial to the field.”
In its third and final year, the temporary Tennessee Bureau of Investigation exhibit at Alcatraz East Crime Museum features information and artifacts about the Bureau’s K9s in addition to other aspects of their work. The exhibit features a leash and collar from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s first accelerant detection K9, Faith.
During the month of May 2022, visitors to Alcatraz East Crime Museum can look forward to several events, including:
- Sevier County Sheriff visiting on Friday, May 6, 2022, bringing with them two K9s. They will visit from 10 am to noon.
- On Friday, May 13, 2022, from 10 am to noon, there will be two Tennessee Bureau of Investigation K9s and their handlers visiting the museum.
- Blount County Mounted Unit will be bringing horses for a visit on May 27, 2022, from 10 am to noon.
- During each of the above events, McGruff the Crime Dog will make an appearance
- The museum will host fingerprinting and prison tattoo interactive labs and demonstrations.
- Discounted tickets for all those in law enforcement. Tickets can be purchased online.
“We are looking forward to visits from law enforcement animals, and we know our guests will be excited to meet them,” added Pennington. “It’s a rare opportunity to see these animals up close.”
Many animals play a role in law enforcement agencies across the country. The most common one is the K9 officer. The most common breeds trained for law enforcement include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Dutch Shepherds. Bloodhounds are becoming more common for search and rescue as they are some of the best dogs for tracking. While they are not used as much anymore, mounted officers on horses are still used in certain situations, such as crowd control.
With over 100 temporary and permanent exhibits, the Alcatraz East Crime Museum sheds light on crime throughout the country. The museum features information and artifacts about the history of crime, crime scene investigation, consequences of crime, crime-fighting, counterfeit crimes, pop culture, and more. There are numerous popular items on display for people to see, including the famous white Bronco from the O.J. Simpson chase and Ted Bundy’s famous Beetle. The museum also features special guest speakers throughout the year.
This top museum is open at 10 am daily. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team building, or other special events for an additional fee. To get more information about tickets, discounts, and all the museum offers, visit the site: https://www.alcatrazeast.com.
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 located at the entrance of The Island, located at 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.
