History and Purpose of Chicago PD

By athinavrapi

  • Chicago Police Department Organized

    Chicago Police Department Organized
    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. http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/983.html

  • First City Marshall

    First City Marshall
    In May 1842 the first City Marshall, Orson Smith, is elected
    (https://www.chicagocop.com/history/people/heads-of-the-chicago-police-department/)

  • First Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

    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. https://www.odmp.org/officer/17090-constable-james-quinn

  • First Chief of Police

    First Chief of Police
    On May 26, 1855, Cyrus Bradley is appointed as Chief of Police and serves in that position until 1856. He would later introduce the Department motto: “At danger’s call, we’ll promptly fly; and bravely do or bravely die.” https://chicagology.com/chicagopolice/policefirsts/

  • Entire Police Department Fired

    Entire 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. https://chicagoreader.com/city-life/when-the-mayor-fired-the-cops/

  • The Great Chicago Fire

    The Great Chicago Fire
    On October 8th, 1871 The Great Chicago Fire destroys three and one half square miles, including almost all police facilities. https://www.history.com/topics/19th-century/great-chicago-fire

  • 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

    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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6okibrpyeUs

  • First Police Automobiles

    First Police Automobiles
    The automobile is introduced and the Department becomes motorized with the introduction of three squad cars. https://chicagology.com/chicagopolice/fordsquads/

  • First Female Officers

    First Female Officers
    On August 13, 1913 the Department appoints its first female officers as 10 women take the oath of office as Chicago police officers. Of this group, Alice Clement emerges as one of the most famous law enforcers in the nation. https://time.com/4300699/early-women-police-detectives-gallery/

  • First Black Female Officer

    First Black Female Officer
    Grace Wilson, the first African American woman was appointed and joined the force. She is also quite possibly the first black female officer in United States history. https://www.criminalelement.com/rest-easy-i-pack-a-gun-true-tales-of-the-first-chicago-policewomen/

  • First Civilian Superintendent Appointed

    First Civilian Superintendent Appointed
    The Chicago Police Department’s 1st Civilian Superintendent, Orlando W. Wilson, is appointed by Mayor Daley. O.W. Wilson is appointed Superintendent. The Department is greatly changed, with blue and white squad cars replacing the old black and white ones, red lights instead of blue, and the introduction of a checkered hatband, brass tags, and short-sleeve uniform shirts. He introduces the Department’s motto, “We Serve and Protect.” https://fau.digital.flvc.org/islandora/object/fau%3A8586

  • Emergency Management and Communications Center (OEC)

    Emergency Management and Communications Center (OEC)
    On September 25, 1995 the Emergency Management and Communications Center opens. The new facility, known as the 9-1-1 Center, is located at 1400 W. Madison Street. The facility combines the 9-1-1 call-taking operation with emergency communication for police, fire and paramedics. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/oem.html

  • Crime Reduction Strategy

    Crime Reduction Strategy
    To combat gangs, drugs and guns in Chicago, Superintendent Hillard introduces regular, weekly DOC and VICE meetings, under the direction of First Deputy Superintendent Philip J. Cline.

  • New Units Created

    The Deployment Operations Center (DOC) and the Violence Initiative Strategy (VICE) were created. http://directives.chicagopolice.org/CPDSergeantsExam_2019/directives/data/a7a57b85-16c2efbe-c2416-c2fa-edbba6051837c01c.html