There are several “histories” of the Philadelphia Police Department out there but most lack any depth or understanding of its organization and forces that shaped and controlled it. Most simply focus on a linear timeline listing the introduction of new technology, i.e. telegraph, automobile and radio. My blog will explain the growth of the agency throughout the different periods of Philadelphia’s development.
In 1887, Howard O. Sprogle wrote a definitive history of the Philadelphia Police at the time. Sprogle was a personal friend of the Mayor and wrote the book under his encouragement. The intent of the Mayor and Sprogle was to support the new police pension system through book sales, or “subscriptions.” The book is a valuable work and my blog will correct some errors that I found as well as add more information.
In 2012, the Department published its history based on a fundamental error: that the Philadelphia Police was founded in 1797 by an act of the U.S. Senate. As my blog will show, there are several moments in time that can be identified as when the Department began. Sprogle, an attorney, said it began earlier in 1751 with a paid watch. As early as 1780, the term “police” was used when referring to the watch. In 1797, Mayor Baker issued an order to hire watchmen as a local emergency provision deemed necessary to replenish the depleted force. He didn’t create or establish anything. The City’s archivist explains that an 1830 ordinance established the first police patrol. Other dates that could reasonably be the Department’s birthdate are 1841 when an ordinance first established a “police department,” 1850 when the police department was merged with surrounding Incorporated Districts, or 1854 when the City and county were consolidated. All of this depends on how we define its beginning. The Department receives its authority by the Pennsylvania legislature, not the U.S. Senate.
My blog will detail the history of every police district and unit. At one time or another, there was a police district for every number from one to forty-three and many numbers were reused. My blog will visit all these districts and much more.
Visit the Philadelphia Police Officer Line-of-Duty Memorial:
