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First Constable
the then town of Chicago established the rank of Constable. Originally an elected position. No name of the first constable is recorded. -
Establishment of the Chicago Police Department
The State of Illinois authorize the town of Chicago to establish a Police force. The original force had 3 members; Orsemus Morrison, Luther Nichols and John Shrigley. -
First Officer Killed in Line of Duty
Constable of Police James Quinn is the first officer killed in the line of duty. -
Major Reorganization
Under the direction of Captain Cyrus P. Bradley, he combines the day and night watches and grows the department to include 6x more personnel. Cyrus P Bradley also becomes the First chief of Police and adopts the department motto: “At danger’s call, we’ll promptly fly; and bravely do or bravely die." -
Institution of Uniform
Chicago Police Department officially institutes a uniform to its members. Prior to this they wore plain clothes. -
More Restructuring
Department adopts a new badge in the form of a 5 pointed star and denotes ranks such as Patrolman, Driver, Messenger, Patrol Driver, Roundsman, Sergeant and Lieutenant. Additionally the entire police force is fired by Mayor John Wentworth leaving the city without police from 2:00am until 10:00 am the next morning. During that time most of the officers are rehired as well as additional officers and Cyrus Bradley is appointed General Superintendent as the City Marshall position is abolished. -
First African American Police Officer
James L Shelton becomes the first African American to join the force. -
First Police Matrons
The Police Matrons were female police employees but not considered officers. -
Mounted Unit Organized
Created to help provide crowd control. -
First Police Automobiles
the department becomes motorized with 3 new squad cars.