Baltimore City Police Department

The Baltimore City Police Department has its roots in the creation of a force in 1784 to guard the city of Baltimore. Constables were appointed and given police powers to keep the peace. The State officially created the department on March 16, 1853 passed a bill which stated that all police officers should be armed and provided with a badge and a commission.

After that, the police department had a steady and progressive growth:

• On October 25, 1885 The first patrol went into service.
• In 1896, established the Bertillon Bureau to take photographs and measurements of prisoners.
• in 1885 established the Harbor Patrol.
• In 1908 established the Traffic Division.
• In 1919 established the Police Academy.
• In 1920 established the Board of Police Commissioners under General Charles D. Gaither.
• On March 4, 1933 the radio communications system was activated.
• On February 21, 1938 established the Accident Investigation Unit.
• In June of 1950 established the Laboratory Division.
• On August 7, 1951 established the Central Records Division.
• On March 1, 1956 deployed the K-9 unit.
• In 1970 established the Helicopter Unit.

The Baltimore Police Department’s jurisdiction encompasses an area of 86.0 square miles: 78.3 of land and 7.7 on waterways. The present Headquarters Building of the Police Department was opened in 1972.