Check out a new beta version of this site

City of Pittsburgh Police

1952/1953

View this item

City of Pittsburgh Police
  • Title
  • City of Pittsburgh Police
  • Identifier
  • MSP285.B017.F08.I05
  • Source Identifier
  • MSP285.B017.F08.I05
  • Description
  • The first formal police force in Pittsburgh was established in 1857. Prior to that time, a constable enforced the law in the city and later night watches headed by a captain patrolled the streets. In addition to caring for the lamps, oil wicks, and other city property, these watchmen kept alert for fires. These men wore no special uniform and did not carry weapons. Although the Chief of Police directed the newly established police force in the 1850s, the mayor had real control of the unit. He nominated officers and gave orders pertaining to the enforcement of the law. It was not until 1888 and the formation of the Department of Public Safety that the police force became a permanent institution.
  • Genre
  • photographs
  • Subject
  • Pittsburgh (Pa.).Bureau of Police.
    Police--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh.
    Children--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh.
  • Source
  • Allegheny Conference on Community Development Photographs, 1892-1981, MSP 285, Library and Archives Division, Senator John Heinz History Center
  • Contributor
  • Detre Library & Archives, Heinz History Center
  • Collection
  • Allegheny Conference on Community Development Photographs
  • Rights Information
  • Copyright Not Evaluated. The copyright and related rights status of this Item has not been evaluated. Please refer to the organization that has made the Item available for more information. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use.
    http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/