Chicago Police Department

By anduel16

  • First constable

    The rank of “Constable” was created. The constable is one rank below the sergeant. This is important because organization in the police departments started to develop

  • Authorization

    On January 31, 1835 The State of Illinois authorized the Town of Chicago to establish its own police force. On August 15, 1835 The Chicago Police Department is born. Orsemus Morrison is elected Chicago’s first constable, assisted by Constables Luther Nichols and John Shrigley. The three-man police force serves and protects a population of about 3,200. The Police Department pre-dates Chicago as a city.

  • First Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

    On December 5th, 1853 Constable of Police James Quinn became the first Officer killed in the line of duty.

  • whole police department fired

    On March 21st, 1861 Mayor John Wentworth summoned the entire police force to his office and fired them, leaving the city without police protection from 2:00 am until 10:00 a.m. the next morning. It was at this time, within a few hours, the new police board rehired most of the officers discharged by the Mayor and hired a considerable amount of new men.

  • First African-American Police Officer

    James L. Shelton, the first African American policeman was appointed and joined the force.

  • First Police Matrons

    The first Police Matrons were hired. Police Matrons were female employees, but were not considered Police Officers.

  • Chicago Police Patrol and Signal System Introduced

    The Chicago Police Patrol and Signal System is introduced. By installing booths equipped with telegraph units from which officers and prominent citizens could contact the closest police station, Chicago implements the first modern law enforcement communication system.

  • The Haymarket Riot

    On May 4, 1886 the most devastating day in Chicago Police Department history begins when a group of anarchists hold a demonstration in Haymaket Square. When several officers arrive to disperse the crowd, a bomb is thrown and explodes in the midst of the police. Eight officers die and 59 are wounded as a result of the bombing and ensuing gun battle between the police and anarchists.

  • First Police Automobiles

    The automobile is introduced and the Department becomes motorized with the introduction of three squad cars.

  • First Police Motorcycles and Police Boats

    The Department expands its motorized service by introducing its first Police Motorcycles and Police Boats.