The Paw & Order Candidate
The oldest police department in the United States is the Boston Police Department. It was established in 1838, making it the first organised municipal police force in the country.
### Key Points About the Boston Police Department:
- **Formation**: The Boston Police Department was formally established on May 18, 1838. Before that, Boston had watchmen and constables, but the department's creation marked the beginning of a professional, organised police force.
- **Development**: The Boston Police Department was modelled after the London Metropolitan Police, established in 1829. Its creation was part of a broader movement in the United States to establish formal police forces in response to increasing urbanization and social change.
- **Evolution**: Over the years, the department has grown and evolved, adopting new technologies, practices, and policies to meet the needs of the city and its residents.
The Boston Police Department's establishment marked the beginning of modern policing in the United States, and it set the precedent for forming other police departments across the country.
The Boston Police Department (BPD) has had several notable leaders who have significantly contributed to the department and policing in general. Here are some of the most famous leaders:
1. Francis Tukey (1807–1869)
- Position: Chief of Police (Boston Police Department)
- Tenure: 1846–1852
- Contributions: Francis Tukey is known for being an early leader of the Boston Police Department during its formative years. He was instrumental in professionalising the force, improving its organisation, and increasing the effectiveness of law enforcement in the city. Tukey’s leadership helped set the foundation for the modern policing practices that would follow.
2. Edmund L. Daley
- Position: Commissioner of Police
- Tenure: 1912–1930
Contributions: Edmund L. Daley was a key figure in the early 20th century and served as Police Commissioner during significant growth and modernisation within the department. His tenure saw the introduction of new technologies, including motor vehicles, which modernised the department’s operations. He also navigated the department through challenging times, including labour strikes and social unrest.
3. Michael J. Leary
- Position: Superintendent of Police
- Tenure: 1906–1912
Contributions: Michael J. Leary was the head of the department during a time of rapid urbanisation and social change in Boston. He worked to expand the department and improve the training and professionalism of the officers under his command. Leary’s leadership was critical in maintaining order during significant growth in Boston.
4. Edward J. McCormack
- Position: Commissioner of Police
- Tenure: 1930–1936
- Contributions: Edward J. McCormack led the Boston Police Department during the Great Depression. He is known for maintaining the morale and effectiveness of the force during difficult economic times.McCormack also worked to improve community relations and reduce crime rates during his tenure.
5. Robert F. Cawley
- Position: Police Commissioner
- Tenure: 1962–1972
- Contributions: Robert F. Cawley served as Police Commissioner during a time of significant social change, including the civil rights movement and the anti-war protests of the 1960s. Cawley’s leadership was marked by efforts to manage civil unrest and improve community relations during heightened tension.
6. Paul F. Evans
- Position: Police Commissioner
- Tenure: 1994–2003
- Contributions: Paul F. Evans is credited with modernising the Boston Police Department and implementing community policing strategies that helped reduce crime in the city. His tenure saw a focus on crime prevention, improved police-community relations, and the adoption of data-driven policing practices. Evans also helped establish Boston’s reputation as a leader in urban policing.
7. Kathleen O’Toole
- Position: Police Commissioner
- Tenure: 2004–2006
- Contributions: Kathleen O’Toole was the first woman to serve as Commissioner of the Boston Police Department. Her tenure was marked by efforts to enhance transparency, accountability, and professionalism within the department. O’Toole also worked to improve the department’s response to domestic violence and other community issues.
