Chicago Police Department
On January 31, 1835 the State of Illinois authorized the Town of Chicago to establish its own force. On August
15, 1835 Orsemus Morrison is elected Chicago's first constable, assisted by Constable 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.
In 1910 the departmetns expands its service by introducing two new police vehicles Motorcycles and Boats.
Then
in 1959 the Chicago Park District Police (Lincoln Park, South Park, and West Park) merge with the Chicago Police Department.
Today the motor units are used for Special Events and parades.
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| Lincoln Star |
| Park District |
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| 1921 Henderson Motorcycles |
| Chicago Police |
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| 1930 Solider Field Thrill Show |
| Chicago Police |
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| 1930s Thrill Show |
| 1953 Harley-Davidson Model G Servicar |
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| Wrigley Field, Chicago Police Department |
| Chicago Police Park District |
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| Harley-Davidson Servi-Car and Patrol Car |
The Chicago Police Department Annual Report of
1965 showning a member of the Beach Detail.
Superintendent O.W. Wilson revolutionized the department's communications
system and consolidated many police districts during the 1960's. He was our first civilian superintendent of police.
This is an informal photo of him talking to a wheel guy.
Roy
Three-wheeler Beach detail 018th District. Photo taken in
1982.
| 1966 Harley-Davidson Model G Servicar |
|
| Chicago Police Department |
Current photo of Motorcycle detail was taken by our Graphic Arts
Section.
The Haymarket incident took place on May 4, 1886. It was
the most most devastating event in the department's history. Five officers were killed by a bomb thrown into their
midst and three were killed by gunfire while responding to an anarchist demonstration at Randolph and Des Plaines Streets.
It's a compelling story. A statue was erected in Haymarket Square in1889 and has since been relocated to several
locations, the most recent being to Police Headquarters at 3510 S. Michigan Avenue on June 1, 2007. These are two pictures
taken at the dedication.
| Chicago, IL Police Department |
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| Chicago, IL Police Department |
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| Chicago, IL Police Department |
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