My destination was close; in fact it had to be right around the corner–at least according to a couple GPS resources. Difficulty lied with a combination of things: unmarked buildings, unhelpful grounds/building security, my insistence on meandering through the center of the complex rather than walk around to the perimeter which surely must have signage. I’ll take my share of ownership.
I walked into the double doors and was certain I’d found my destination. No fewer than 1/2 dozen armed guards surrounding/leaning on/occupying a rather small foyer. Immediately I thought a little excessive; but perhaps dignitaries were onsite or something similar. In fact I initially gave it little more than a passing thought having become nearly immune to the typical show of force in the ‘hood. My personal record is six black suburbans, six fully lit/loaded Harley’s and (a decoy?) one black Ford Fusion. All (illegally, of course) parked in front of the Nordstroms waiting for their charge. Surprisingly when the small family appeared curbside it was rather anticlimactic. Bit of a downer.
‘Hi-ya”, I blurted in a standard tone and cadence as I walked up to the requisite electromagnetic scanner and started to empty my pockets. ‘Looks as if I’ve reached the museum.’ A few of the security officers stood up while a couple remained slouched and indifferent. The ones at attention gave a quizzical look with one responding, ‘Museum? No museum here.’ ‘Isn’t this the DEA Museum?’ ‘Oh no, that’s around the corner. This is TSA.’ TSA; 1/2 dozen armed officers hanging out at the tiny screening station at the tiny entrance to the non-descript building in an even less-descript office park. For an agency that doesn’t, on the surface, seem to be a tremendously high risk target. Seems perhaps opinions would exist on how to cost/benefit that scenario, federal cuts have perhaps not worked their way down to that level yet.
At once multiple fellas were more than glad to get me on my way, pointing the way back out of the building, through the plaza and to my desired destination.
Once in the Drug Enforcement Agency building I was quickly moved by some of the work they have done, and continue to do. Of particular note is a wall-sized glass case that holds the photograph of every agent killed in the line of duty. An active group it seems to produce great results under what might be considered a fairly efficient structure and dedicated group of folks. Certainly that’s an impression that might be gained from a stroll through their (relatively) small museum. An agency with a brief history it’s undergone several iterations to arrive at its current self. Several prominent raids and busts are prominently displayed throughout the museum; perhaps of equal interest is depiction of the long history drugs in the U.S. running back to California opium dens of the early 1800’s. Although, of course, we know George Washington grew hemp at his Mt. Vernon estate…..that period of our nation isn’t exactly put on display at the museum!
My only significant complaint would be some of its outdated technology and displays themselves. Some of the most recent major busts with dates as old as 2006-07. Given the considerable U.S./Mexico border issues of the past few years that stood out as an obvious gap.
Given its proximity I’ll plan go return a couple more times; in fact on one such attempt I was turned aways as the space is being renovated and presumably updated! Signage indicates it’ll reopen by August (2013) and I’ll plan to be one of the first to visit the renovated space.