History of New York City Police Department

By marysaccoach

  • Beginning of Law Enforcement

    Law enforcement began in New York City in 1625. It was apart of a Dutch settlement called "New Amsterdam". The main focus was so keep peace throughout the land. They did this by patrolling paths, walkways, etc. The main officer throughout this time period was called the Sheriff-Attorney.

  • First Official Police Department

    The Governor of New York gave official approval for the first department in New York to be created. The mayor of New York city immediately began drafting the outline for the department. This became on the first police departments in America.

  • NYPD Officially Begins Serving

    The New York Police Department officially began serving the streets in July of 1845. The Chief of the Department was, George W. Matsell. He had a crew of about 800 men. The badge of this force was made from copper and imprinted the seal of the city in the middle.

  • Detectives are Established Within the Department

    In 1882, the Bureau of Detectives was officially formed. Before this undercover policemen where known as "shadows" among the community.

  • Implementation of Guns

    It wasn't until 1887 that policemen could legally carrying firearms while on duty. Each officer was regulated with a revolving pistol approved by the board. The outline of gun usage was detailed in the "Manual of Rules and Regulations" of the NYPD.

  • First Women in the Department

    Four women were hired to the department. The main cause for the hiring of women was the concern of transporting and holding women prisoners, to and from jail. They were not referred to as officers, but as Matrons.

  • First African-American Officer on the Force

    In January of 1911 the first African-American officer was hired to the department. Samuel J. Battle was appointed as the chief of the department officially becoming the first African-American to join the NYPD.

  • First African-American Woman Appointed

    In 1920 massive progress was made when the first African-American woman was appointed to the force. Her name was Lawson R. Bruce. Shes known all around the country as the first black women in the NYPD.