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First Policing In New York City
Law enforcement began in present-day New York City in 1625 when the modern day Mecca was a small Dutch Settlement and Fort called New Amsterdam. The sole officer was called a "Schout- fiscal" (Sheriff- Attorney) and patrolled little more than a few trails and paths. He was in charge of keeping the peace, settling minor disputes and advising the colonists if a fire broke out at night. The first “Schout-fiscal” of New Amsterdam was a man named Johann. -
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NYPD
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The Start of the Department
In 1844, the Governor of New York granted the Mayor of New York City permission to begin a formal police department upon the retirement of the High Constable of New York City, Jacob Hays. The mayor immediately began organizing and forming one of the first true police departments in America. -
NYPD Hits the Streets
In July of 1845, the NYPD officially entered service with a force of approximately 800 men under the first Chief of the New York City Police, George W. Matsell. The early officers carried a badge made of stamped copper and had the seal of the City in the center. The badges revealed an eight point star that symbolized the original eight paid members of the old Watch during Dutch rule. -
The Detective Bureau of the NYPD Formed
It was not until 1882 that the Detective Bureau was officially formed. Before that time, undercover officers called “shadows” performed crowd crime prevention and investigative duties. -
NYPD Begins Carrying Guns
It was not until 1887 that police officers of the NYPD began carrying firearms. At that time, the "Manual of Rules and Regulations" stated "In addition to the ordinary baton of the patrolman each member of the Police Force shall be armed while on duty with a revolving pistol of pattern and caliber approved by the board.” The first standard firearm of the NYPD was a .32 caliber double action four inch barrel Colt revolver. -
The first women on the NYPD
The first four Police Matrons on the NYPD were appointed in response to growing concerns as to the treatment and transport of female prisioners and arrestees. -
NYPD hires First Hispanic Officer
In 1896, George Garcia was appointed by the Chief of Police as the first officer of Hispanic heritage on the NYPD. -
NYPD Appoints the first African- American Policeman
In 1911, Samuel J. Battle was appointed by the chief of police as the first African- American officer to join the NYPD. -
NYPD implements Motorcycle Patrol
The original Motorcycle Squad of the NYPD was created in 1911. By 1912, twenty-five Indian motorcycles played an active role in controlling traffic in New York City. -
Policewomen on the NYPD
In 1918, the term "policewoman" was officially adopted and the first six policewomen of the NYPD were appointed. -
NYPD Appoints the first African- American Policewoman
Lawon R. Bruce was appointed the first African- American Policewoman on the NYPD. -
Raymond W. Kelly appointed Police Commissioner
Commissioner Kelly was appointed by Mayor David N. Dinkins in 1992. His career as commissioner continued in 2002 when Mayor Bloomberg re-appointed Commissioner Kelly. He continues to serve as Commissioner of Police to this day. -
Present Day NYPD
Today, the NYPD continues to live up to the finest of expectations. The NYPD is the largest municipal police force and the second largest Law Enforcement Agency in the United States. They currently employ about 34,500 uniformed police officers, utilize numerous different types of vehicles and patrol an area of approximately 469 square miles. The department proudly operates a number of special units including a K-9 bomb disposal, counterterrorism bureau, anti-gang and narcotics units.
