-
The Founding of Rochester, NY
Colonel Nathaniel Rochester founded this village that used be just a scatter of trees in the forests along the Genesee River.This early village became known as the Village of Rochesterville. -
The Formation of Rochester's Night Watch
In a book written by William P. Feck, he describes the way in which it dawned on the sellers of Rochester's newfound town that they might need some extra protection. The townspeople held a meeting on the date and decided that they would put together a sum of $80 from taxes collected to help fund the maintenance of a village night watch. -
Rochester officers become the Boys in Blue
After taking a visit to New York, Rochester's Mayor John C. Nash decided it was time the department got some uniforms. He ordered the men to provide themselves with blue uniforms and caps. They were told that whenever they were out doing their jobs in the streets they would have to wear them. -
Rochester Police Dept. gets Alarm System
After being inspired by Chicago's alarm telegraph, Police Chief Joseph Cleary decide it'd be a good idea for Rochester to get something similar. 30 signal boxes were installed for whenever people needed to report an emergency. It was described as being the most efficient alarm system in New York State. -
Rochester appoints its first paid police officer
Chief Addy W. Van Slyck became the first paid chief police office of Rochester in 1853. He was paid $900 a year and the 20 other officer $600. -
Precinct System is Introduced
Rochester's first commissioner, James G. Cutler, along with Chief Cleary -
Rochester Appoints First Female Officer
Because the police department was started to be used to supervise events and locations such as amusement parks and dance halls, they needed a female officer who could do the job the men couldn't. Officer Nellie L. McElroy became that first woman. She was also the first policewoman in all of New York State and was of only 9 others in all of the United States at the time. -
Period: to
Public Relations Division Introduced
Police Chief William A. Winfield established this new division to help promote safety education for the townspeople.