Want to test your skills at spotting evidence and eyewitness details at a crime scene? Visitors can try this and other real-life detecting methods in the National Law Enforcement Museum's Target Take the Case exhibit, as they learn how detectives coordinate with forensic scientists, medical examiners and prosecuting attorneys to solve a crime.
Believe it or not, this hands-on exhibit was curated using real elements from Target’s in-house forensics lab. It’s one of several immersive exhibits visitors can explore inside the new museum, which opens its doors to the public this week in Washington, D.C.
As one of its sponsors, we’ve worked with the museum’s leadership for more than a decade. Along the way, we provided business expertise, organizational and strategic consultation, and funding, plus pro bono construction and architecture support from our construction and store design teams. Don Liu, Target’s executive vice president and chief legal and risk officer, will speak as part of the museum’s grand opening festivities.
This isn’t the first time Target has supported the creation of a national museum. In 2016, we celebrated the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture as a founding donor and grand opening sponsor, along with the unveiling of its Target Learning Center. Through partnerships like these, we’re proud to help tell the stories of American history, heroes and culture for all families to enjoy.
Inside the lab
Our state-of-the-art forensics lab in Minneapolis, which inspired the Target Take the Case exhibit, has been operating since 2006, and is accredited by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board. Its dedicated team of certified examiners (including many former law enforcement officials) conducts latent fingerprint examinations and enhances and analyzes audio and video evidence from crimes directly related to our stores.
But we also offer our forensics team’s work to assist law enforcement on cases unrelated to Target—such as violent felony, homicide and special circumstances cases—free of charge. The lab handles about 300 cases a year, and nearly one in five are pro bono work, to alleviate strain on our law enforcement partners’ resources.
Building strong, healthy, safe communities
The museum sponsorship and the pro bono work of our forensics lab are two examples of Target’s ongoing support for our public safety partners, as we team up on innovative programs and technology that help keep neighborhoods safe and secure. We have longstanding partnerships on the federal, state and local levels across the country, keeping communities safe and hosting events that bring families together. Whether it’s taking part in neighborhood community events, sponsoring the IACP/Target Police Officer of the Year Award, or hosting our Heroes & Helpers holiday shopping events with underserved kids in our stores, the work helps to protect our 300,000+ team members and countless guests across the U.S.
Learn more about the work we do to make the communities where we do business safer for our team members and guests.
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