Baltimore City Police History

Baltimore City Police History
The Official Motto of the Department

Established in the 1800's

"EVER ON THE WATCH"

1729 - The preservation of the peace, protection of property and the arrest of offenders has been the goal of Baltimore residents since August 8, 1729, when the Legislature created Baltimore Town. 

1784 - The first attempt to organize a force to guard Baltimore occurred in 1784. Constables were appointed and given police powers to keep the peace.  Baltimore's Police Department had been developing their police force since the formation of our "Night Watch" in 1784. In the beginning they were "Very necessary to prevent fires, burglaries, and other outrages and disorders" this from (Chapter 69, Acts of 1784).

1851 - October 20, 1851, the first known metallic badge worn by Baltimore Police Officers also known as the 1st. Issue badge.  
1853 - The State Legislature on March 16, 1853, passed a bill, "To provide for the better security for the citizens and property in the City of Baltimore." This statute provided that police officers should be armed and that a badge and commission be furnished each member.  

1860 - Other innovations included the inception of the Marine Unit in 1860 

1860 - May 1, 1860, we switched our badges to the 2nd issue badge. It was a new “Metropolitan Police" force under a Board of Police Commissioner’s (BOC), state-appointed civilians, signaled the retirement of the "Corporation Police force" and the new badge was authorized.

1861/62 - In March of 1862, the military authorities who had taken control of the Department on June 27, 1861, turned over the Police Department to the authority of the state. 

1862 - On June 22, 1862, a newly formed Police force appeared in a completely new uniform with a new series of badges. Known as 3rd Issue it had the same center section of the first badge, and returning the designation of "City Police" surrounded by twenty small points encircled by a narrow rim.  Note: The 20 pointer was replaced by an order from the Commissioner. He said "too many were in the hands of the citizens." (This was found in an article in the newspaper circa1890.)

1867 - The first State agency to exercise police powers was the Baltimore City Police Force. Established in 1867 under a Board of Police Commissioners, the Force was elected by the General Assembly (Chapter 367, Acts of 1867).  Baltimore's police force, from 1867, was governed by a State board although jurisdiction was limited to the City. 
1885 - The first patrol wagon went into service on October 25, 1885 (it too was established by and paid for by Marshal Jacob Frey). 

1885 - A Harbor Patrol was established.

1885 - A call box system was established to provide a means of communications between officers on the street and "the station house. This was paid for out of the pocket of Jacob Frey, and then City Council bought them once they saw how well they worked  
1888 - The Mounted Patrol was established. 

1890 - May 27, 1890, what came to be known as the 4th Issue badge was worn with a new uniform by all members of the force. This is a shield-shaped badge with the word "POLICE" across the top, Maryland seal in the center and a ribbon with the officers number across the bottom. Sergeant's and above had an eagle on top of their shield. Lieutenants and above wore a badge similar to the Sergeant but was gold in color. The eagle on the badges had a ribbon in its beak denoting the rank of the officer. These were worn from 1890 until 1976
1896 - The Bertillon Bureau was established to take photographs and measurements of prisoners. Bertillon system n. A system formerly used for identifying persons by means of a detailed record of body measurements, physical description, and photographs. The Bertillon system was superseded by the more accurate procedure of fingerprinting.

1900 - The interesting thing about the Board of Police Commissioners and eventual single Commissioner is that the Commissioner(s) for the City of Baltimore was to be chosen and appointed by the Governor for the State of Maryland. 
1908 - The Traffic Division was established.

1912 - The first Women Officer was hired under the title of Policewomen was Mary S. Harvey, EOD of June 19, 1912 her hiring was followed by that of Margaret B. Eagleston July 22, 1912 (interesting side note on March 28, 1925 the Baltimore Sun reports - Two female members of department given first lesson in pistol shooting. They were Miss Margaret B. Eagleston and Mrs. Mary J. Bruff - A few days later Mrs. Mary Harvey, Miss Eva Aldridge and Ms. Mildred Campbell were also trained. So basically the first two woman officers hired by the BPD weren't trained in firearms until they had been on the force for 13 years!) 

1913 - The Police Academy was established. 

1914 - The Motor Unit was organized on May 29, 1914
1920 - The board of Police Commissioners was abolished and General Charles D. Gaither was apointed as the first Police Commossioner of the Baltimore City Police Department.
1933 - Radio Communication Est. The First radio communications system between patrol vehicles and a central dispatcher went into service on March 4, 1933. 

1937 - First African American Officer Violet Hill Whyte, became Baltimore Police Department's first African American officer she worked out of the Western District for her 30 year career with the department.  

1938 - Accident Investigation Unit Est. The Accident Investigation Unit was established on February 21, 1938.

1938 - The first African American male officers hired were Walter T. Eubanks Jr., Harry S. Scott, Milton Gardner, and J. Hiram Butler Jr. were hired in 1938, all of whom were assigned to plainclothes

1941 - Auxiliary Police Force Est. In December 1941, after Pearl Harbor our Police Commissioner (Robert F. Stanton) realized he would be losing a lot of his men to the war effort, so he quickly organized an "Auxiliary Police Force" a unit of Civilian Defence Organization, which now has a membership of approximately two thousand persons, whose services are on a strictly voluntary basis without remuneration of any character. These men are selected from owners of big business, and executives-men in all walks of life including labourers and the unemployed (if you meet the requirements it doesn't matter what you do for a living, your help is welcome). In 1941 they originally provided at their own expense, uniforms and patrol box keys etc. The department furnished badges, whistles and night sticks. They receive ten hours training in first-aid, two hours instructions in handling of bombs, and at least six hours instruction in police work, during which period they are assigned to work with the regular uniformed patrolmen. They were required to report to various districts and to perform two hours actual police duty assigned them by our District Captains. The purpose which the Auxiliary Police was serving and the manner in which its members have discharged its duties are worthy of the highest commendation, for it has been a most effective instrument in aiding in the preservation of law and order. Cooperation between this unit and the regular uniform force are. Basis for the progress made in combating crime. After the war there was a bit of distention among the Auxiliary Police Force and the regular force (Here)

1943 - African American officers were finally allowed to wear police uniforms, and by 1950, there were fifty African American officers in the department.

1948 - Crime Lab Est. The Baltimore Police Department’s 1st Crime Lab

1951 - Central Records Est. and Central Records Division was created on August 7, 1951.

1952 - Armory Est. in 1952 the Gun-shop (now called the Armory) was established

1952 -  In the department started using a Single Rocket Type Shoulder Patch, it was black with yellow trim, and yellow letters that read, "Baltimore City Police" and was worn on the left shoulder of the officers coat, or jacket.

1954 - Mobile Crime Lab Est. May of 1954 The Mobile Crime Lab Unit was established.

1955 - Polygraph Unit Est. First in the State Commissioner Hepbron brings in a polygraph machine to help build a polygraph unit within the Rackets Division of the department. (In 1966 this unit would be transferred to the Crime Lab unit - Before the move to Crime Lab this little machine will cause headaches for the commissioner that brings it to Baltimore)

1956/57 - Baltimore’s K9 Unit was initiated - On Tuesday, December 11, 1956, an article was published in one of our local newspapers which was one of a series of articles written by one Martin Millspaugh pertaining to Scotland Yard. This article the last of a series, was devoted to the use of police dogs in London. As a result of the letters and inquiries received by Commissioner James M. Hepbron, an article appeared in the Morning Sun on December 17, 1956 which briefly stated that Commissioner Hepbron was interested and saw the possibilities of using dogs in the Baltimore City Police Department. On December 18, 1956, two dogs (Turk & Major Gruntz) that had had previous training were offered to the Baltimore City Police Department and, with two officers (Patrolman Thomas McGinn and Irvan Marders) also with previous dog experience, the program was put into effect on an “experimental basis”. By the middle of January 1957, fourteen dogs had been acquired as potential candidates and fourteen men were selected and assigned to the K~9 Corps. These men were chosen as a result of a questionnaire which was sent to all members of the department asking for volunteers. These men and dogs were trained daily until March 1, 1957. At that time, they were put on the street on Friday and Saturday nights, working the areas where crime was most prevalent. Shortly after this, actually on April 17, 1957~ Commissioner Hepbron, considering the experiment a success, went before the Mayor and City Council and appropriations were made through the Board of Estimates which resulted in the K-9 Corps becoming a permanent part of the Baltimore City Police. For more info on Baltimore’s K9 click HERE 
In January of 1961, the Baltimore Police Department merged with The Park Police, to make one big police force that covered the city. This will happen numerous times throughout the department's history. Housing Police, and now talks of taking on Baltimore School Police.  
1966 - The department itself had not fully integrated until 1966. Prior to 1966, African American officers were limited to foot patrols as they were barred from the use of squad cars. These officers were quarantined in rank, barred from patrolling in white neighbourhoods, and would often only be given specialty assignments in positions in the Narcotics division or as undercover plainclothes officers.
1966 - Police Commissioner Donald D Pomerleau was apointed to the first of three six year terms as our Commissioner, that's 18 years of the same Police Commissioner
1967/1968 - Was the last year for the Rocker style shoulder patch. (Baltimore wore a single shoulder patch on their left arm) Was the first year for the Blue Baltimore "City" Police style shoulder patch. (At this stage Baltimore was still wearing a single shoulder patch on their left arm.)
1970 - The Arson Unit was initiated in Febuary of 1970. 
1970 - Fox Trot Est. The Department Aviation Unit "Fox Trot" was officially formed and began flights.
1972 - The present Headquarters Building of the Police Department was opened.

1973 - The Civil Service Commission authorized the single classification "Police Officer" to replace the dual designation "Policeman/Patrolman" and "Policewoman/Police Woman". This reclassification was a continuation of the department's efforts in the area of equal employment opportunity. (Female "Police Officers" now had the same prerogatives and responsibilities as their male counterparts. Now only one competitive test for promotions is necessary. Thus, a single career ladder was established for all sworn members.) 
1974/75 - Ammo change, after one of our brother Officers (Lorenzo Gray) was killed in the line of duty (1972) the department was forced to changed our ammo from the round nose to the semi-wad cutter. (This change came about because Officer Gray's shot merely spun the suspect around allowing him to discharge a round from his shotgun at Officer Gray. Officers wanted something they knew would save them if they needed it, and requested the hollow point, the department rejected that idea, stating they felt it was, dare I say "Overkill") the Wad cutter wasn't issued until late 1974, early 75.) We were recently told this change was a big part of negotiations that lead to the 1974 Police Strike. (BTW while the city and the Department was not happy with the strike, my family and present law enforcement is thankful. The changes made as a result of those strikes made things better for all of us today, our department fired some great men and women; men and women that made a sacrifice for us.
1974/75 - The Departmental Vehicle phased out the old Blue and White with the old Gold Badge on the door to an all white car with a Blue Shoulder Patch on the door and Red under Blue Stripes. See our Vehicles  HERE
1974/75 - In 1974 QRT (Quick Response Team) began training; it was formed out of members of Tactical Section including several of the EVU members as they had been trained in use of high power rifles and already departmental Marksmen. (More can be under BPD Units>Tactical by clicking) HERE -In the beginning, The "New" Tactical Section, circa 1974/75, formed a "Special Weapons and Tactics" team in the BPD. The department however wouldn't let it be called SWAT. They felt SWAT was a negative of term. So they (the team came up with the name QRT (Quick Response Team) Lt Joe Key has been given credit for naming QRT, it is the exact team, but with a kinder gentler name. When they finally got the body bunkers, and Kevlar helmets, they also got black ballistic face shields. However, the department didn't want members of the team wearing the masks/face shields because "it made them look evil". So the masks stayed in the box. By 1999, the department finally gave in and let the team be called SWAT. Up until this point EVU were the primary snipers for the city. The original members of that first QRT team each had to buy their own equipment; they shopped Sunny's Surplus, and or H&H Outdoor Supply.  So when they see the teams of today, and how well they're equipped; being as it should have been all along, I'm sure all they can do is shake their heads? But at the same time, I know how proud each of these men are to have paved the way. Not to mention the number of lives they saved, while putting their own lives on the line.
1976 - On April 5th 1976 the 5th. Issue badge came along and is the Badge currently worn by Baltimore Police Officers to this day. With exception to the 2nd Issue badge the word Baltimore did not appear on any other official Police badge. The 5th Issue badge is similar to the 4th Issue "Supervisor's" badge with a new center seal that is the same as worn on the large shoulder patch. (The badge change came in May of 1976, Jimmy Halcomb was killed on April 16th 1976 at Lombard and Carey St. - Jimmy was the last officer to have been killed in the line of duty while wearing the old Issue #4 badge.) 

1977- Under Commissioner Donald D. Pomerleau The Word "City" was dropped from our large blue shoulder patch. (There are several interesting versions as to why the word "CITY" was drop. All were based on the same three stories, all convincing, well for the most part convincing, see the Patch page under BPD History or click) HERE

1978 - The Baltimore City Police Department remained under State governance until 1978, when the Mayor began to appoint the Police Commissioner, subject to confirmation by the City Council (Chapter 920, Acts of 1976).

1984 - The Latent Print Unit began the use of Printrak. Printrak enabled the department to use computerized fingerprint searches to assist examiners with respondents for potential latent print identifications.

1985 - Adopted a computerized booking procedures for prisoners, and 911 emergency systems

1990 - The Department begins phasing in the Glock model 17 - 9mm semi auto handgun, to replace the S&W model 19 / model 64 - .38 cal. pistol. This transition took approximately 3 years to complete.  (The first academy class to use the Glock's were 90-2 and 90-3)
1991 - Gunshot Residue Analysis (GSR) using Scanning Electron Microscopy began in 1991. 

1993 - The Breathalyzer was replaced with a computerized version, a unit called "The Intoximeter". 

1994 - The Polygraph Unit began using a computerized polygraph instrument for conducting polygraph examinations. 

1994 - SCAN (Scientific Content ANaylysis) was brought to Central District's Major Crime Unit. SCAN was a Linguistic Polygraph technique that at the time was so new the department refused to pay for the course. Within a few years of Officer Driscoll showing it to different units throughout the department he was allowed to use it to analyze statement in just about every unit or division everything from Homicide to Sex Offence, to Robbery, Missing persons and Theft units in the department. He started being limited to Area 1, and before long doing all three Area's, Statements for the State’s Attorney’s Office and various outside agencies. Before leaving department in 2001, for a surgery due to a LOD injury Det. Driscoll was asked to teach his introductory course to Baltimore's Homicide Unit. BTW His course was authorized by Avinoam Sapir, from LSI, Avinoam developed and refined Statement Analysis and called Det. Driscoll a Guru on the subject.

1994 - The Police Commissioner ended a long time tradition in Baltimore of Police carrying their Espantoon, by banning the nightstick in place of the Koga Stick. Espantoon’s History - From Webster’s Dictionary - The espantoon is a wooden police baton equipped with a long leather strap for twirling.  It originated and is still strongly associated with the Baltimore Police Department in Baltimore, Maryland.  The term is distinctly "Baltimorea/Baltimoreian" The word itself derives from that of a pole weapon, the espantoon, which was carried by infantrymen of the British Army during the Revolutionary period.  Since, the espantoon has been considered a symbol of the "Policeman's Office and Dignity".  Before the advent of wireless communications, the espantoon was reportedly used by Baltimore policemen to call for assistance where its officer would bang it on the curb or a drainpipe.  

1994/95 - The City had Officers wearing, dark blue pants, white shirts, a black ties, with a dark blue blouse (jacket) and black shoes. They also had us carrying a briefcase. The idea was our Brass wanted us looking professional, more like businessmen. In 1994, the finally let us start wearing dark blue shirts that matched the pants. 

1995 - Under Police Commissioner Thomas Frasier comes another of Baltimore's many shoulder patch changes, Up until 1995 our Officers either wore no patch, a single rocker patch, or one of the two "City" "No City" Patches on their left shoulder. Commissioner Frasier changed that when he ordered patches be worn on both shoulders. The story behind the change is almost as bazaar as as the stories for the dropping of the word "City" from the patch in 1977. You can find the story) HERE

1995/96 - There was another change to the uniform, Officers started wearing dark blue shirts to match their dark blue pants. This was a welcome addition to the midnight officers as it helped them sneaking around the streets and alleys. (It helped distinguish rank and didn't get as dirty as fast, your average municipal police officer will have someone resist arrest two to three times a week, this makes for a dirty uniform shirt- Another note about the Baltimore Police Officer Uniform, it was designed to look like a businessmen, a nice blouse, white shirt tie and pants, they even issued a brief case so we looked professional.)
1996 - The Mobile Unit began using CAD aided design programs to do computerized crime scene sketches.

1996 - The Identikit sketches were replaced with a computerized version called E-Fit.  E-Fit was adopted by the department because it could be used on any computer by the investigating Detective, to more quickly obtain a sketch of the suspect. 

1996 - The Baltimore Police Department became the first ever with a non-emergency 311 system.
1997/98 - Headquarters had major improvements and modifications with the addition of the Annex Building. 

2000 - It was mentioned earlier that in 1994 Police Commissioner Thomas Frasier Banned the Espantoon, in 2000 Police Commissioner Edward Norris learned of our tradition and brought the Espantoon back. There were a lot of thankful police, to have had been given back one of our favorite tools. Many don't understand, the Espantoon wasn't so much for hitting suspects and is was not to have to hit them, it was also used in many arm-bar type holds, and the spinning/twirling of the Nightstick mentioned earlier, that spinning, kept distance between an officer and those that might try to get into their person space. For anyone that didn't read the 1994 explanation of the Espantoon is a type of wooden police baton/nightstick that is distinct to the city of Baltimore and has been in use for generations. It is an ornate wood straight baton equipped with a swivelled leather strap with which it can be twirled as the Officer walked his beat. - Few Baltimore Police couldn't twirl their nightstick. 

2002 - The Firearms Unit obtained a NIBIN system, which performs both fired cartridge cases and bullet comparisons as a part of a nationwide network. This is like NCIC and will let us know if a gun used in Baltimore to kill someone also matches a gun used in DC, LA or anywhere else in the US

2003 - The Annex building was re-named in dedication to Commissioner Bishop Robinson in 2003

2006 - QRT (Quick Response Team) is renamed SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) after 32 years the department finally changes the name of this highly trained, elite team. (Initially in 1974 while forming the team the department was against using the name SWAT because they felt the name was too harsh for the department image. Political correctness circa 1974.)  For more information on QRT or SWAT click HERE - During this time the Baltimore Police Department has had 38 Commissioners, starting in 1850 with Charles Howard, until 2012 with Anthony W. Batts. More info on our Commissioners can be found by clicking HERE - The above was altered from reports written by BPD's Public Affairs Office - Monday, March 17, 2008; 7:00 pm
2013 - The Baltimore Police Department, goes from a six pack photo spread, in which the victim or witness of a crime is shown a photo spread containing six photos, one is the suspect, and five fill in's, of similar looking males or females. The new concept would be to show six pictures as they did in the past, five fill in's and the actual suspect in random order, but now one at a time. Prior to the 1980's when the six-pack photo spread was used, we used physical line-ups, in which we normally used the suspect and five fill in plain clothes officers, or civilians; so that the victim/witness' could make their pick. In the end does it really matter, if evidence points to the suspect, the victim/witness picks the suspect, be it through a physical line up, six-pack of photo’s, or individual photo’s, one guy in the line could be the guy. We never charge the guy they pick if the guy they pick is a fill-in and not our suspect. Still if it helps in anyway, to catch a crook and close a case. Then more power to them

OUR POLICE A HISTORY OF THE BALTIMORE FORCE

Folsom

BALTIMORE 1888

Policemen are the heroes of peace as soldiers are heroes of war. In many respects they are the soldiers' superiors. They pass stricter examinations, they observe more rigid rules, and their exploits are without the glory that attaches itself to military life. Their duties- are proverbially exacting. They must run constant physical risks and endure all kinds of weather. To unfaltering patience and fortitude they must add personal bravery of a high and continuous order. They must not only discover crime but they must prevent it. They must not only arrest criminals but they must protect the innocent by keeping track of the wrong-doers, be a restraint upon the idle and vicious. Whether a burglar-alarm sounds, a fire breaks out or a baby gets lost, it is towards the policeman that all thoughts immediately turn. They are our friends in danger, our protectors always.

The police of many cities have marked characteristics, but the Baltimore force occupies an enviable position, being a notably able and efficient organization. It suppressed the riotous elements that at one time ruled here and has made this city one of the safest and most orderly in the world. One can venture into any alley or street at any time of the day or night without fear or harm. "Crooks" of all kinds are as shy of Baltimore as they are of the penitentiary itself. The city is free from great crimes. Everywhere order and safety prevail. To the police the credit belongs.

The history of the police is to a large extent the history of Baltimore. It embraces the careers of prominent citizens, the accounts of important political changes, the interesting records of criminal sensations, the full details of great events and all those valuable incidents which the cut-and-dried historian in his prosy. For more Click HERE

 



Baltimore Police Department Thin Blue Line


The Official Flag of the Baltimore Police Department
STAND BEHIND IT

This site will provide a History of the Baltimore City Police Department in text and pictures. 

Photos of Officers from the past

Photos of Vehicles old & new
Photos of Vehicles old & new

Photos of Equipment used

Photos of Station Houses

Tributes to BPD Fallen Heroes

Inspiration for our Fallen Heroes

Tribute to the Fallen Heroes of  9-11-2001

Listing of Police related Events/Parades & Memorials

Police information

Police War Stories stranger than fiction

The Final Roll Call

Roll Call & Breaking News

Information on Districts, Units and Divisions

Lie Detector Is Unveiled.
Installation Of Cities First Such Device Begins Today.
November 29, 1955

The city's first lie-detector machine was unveiled yesterday by James M Hepbron Police Commissioner for use in a departments increase program of scientific crime detention installation of the instrument a polygraph will begin today under the supervision of Lieut. Frank W Grunder, who returned yesterday from a six week training course in Chicago.

A special examining room is under preparation by the Rackets Division to house the "lie box" in the enforcement sections of six floor offices of the headquarters building.

To train assistance Lieut. Grunder a former instructor at the police academy is now assigned to the Rackets Division and will train five or six assistance to operate polygraph.

Results of the lie detector examination voluntarily given cannot be admitted as evidence in the mailing courts, but police claimed they are useful in junked in the interrogation of suspects.

Commissioner Hepbron , who approved purchase of the machine and the training for Lieut. Grunder is familiar with the development of the lie detector technique and strongly supports a juice by the department.

Aids the innocent.

In the past out-of-state experts have been called in by Maryland police authorities to conduct polygraph test in such major criminal investigations as the Carolyn was Wasilewski and John Adams murder case

the only thing we want to establish with the machine is the truth Lieut. Grunder said, and this aids in the innocent as well as weeding out the guilty.

The polygraph operates on a theory that when you tell a lie you think the truth. The lieutenant explained the subconscious knowledge of this fact causes physical changes in the body which can be measured and interpreted by the operator. He continued.

Three. Measuring devices are attached to the subject to record reactions one about the chest for breathing, another around the upper arm for blood pressure, and a third around the palm of the hand to note changes in perspiration. These patterns are transferred to a graph by three ink said indicators called stylus, which are connected to each other. Measuring apparatus subdued colors needed in conducting the experiment Lieut. Grunder said the examiner must gain the subjects confidence and part and parcel attitude in his role the person to be examined is also explained the operation of the machine questions require only yes or no answers are posed by the interrogator a complex examination includes an unspecified amount of tests, each containing 8 or 12 questions a series of questions in which the subject answers the known such as name, age, address, sex, etc. are asked to establish the truth pattern pertinent questions relative to the investigation and are interjected to ascertain any change in the recorded patterns examining room should be free of distracted influences the lieutenant recommended. He said the colors of the room should be subdued. The furnishings plane and everyday noise is evident to a slight degree.

Only the subject and the examiner are together in the room but most police agencies constructs a one-way mirror and connect a microphone to allow other interested parties to view and hear the proceedings.

Key to the effectiveness of the test is the interpretation of the results. The lieutenant declared there can be only three results, he said indication of untruths, a truth or one that think inconclusive.

During the demonstration yesterday in the commissioner's office for high-ranking police officers Commissioner Hepbron remarked that many subjects confess to crimes before they actually test is begun.

Only one in the state. This reflects on the fine reputation, accorded the machine by the public. He commented. He said one police agency reported that 10% of the total volunteers for examination confessed before the test could be completed.

Lieut. Grunder, who is also a lawyer and a graduate of the national police Academy is enthusiastic about the possibilities of the polygraph is practically foolproof. He explained even if someone attempts to alter the results by moving coughing are yawning, we can detected. He said.

The lie detector the only one in the state will be made available to other police departments Lieut. Grunder said it is portable. He concluded and weighs approximately 46 pounds


Now how the polygraph that Hepbron brought to Baltimore comes back to bite him

Hepbron gets challenged to take lie test.
Suggestion made by attorney for suspended Sgt.
November 11, 1957
The attorney representing suspended Sgt. Edgar Kirby yesterday challenge police Commissioner James M Hepbron to "Submit to a lie detector himself if he has so much to cop as in their results." Sgt. Kirby was suspended Friday after he refused on advice of the attorney Amos Myers to submit to a lie detector test as part of the continuing investigation into police activities.

Mr. Myers had quoted acting Sgt. Herbert S Meekins, another suspended Rackets Division Detective as saying. "Commissioner Hepbron took part in alleged wiretapping before a raid on 408 bar a nightclub on the block."

"At least 20 questions"

The lawyer said yesterday he was investigating wiretapping activities by the police department and so far had at least 20 questions he would like to ask Commissioner Hepbron under state and city law wiretapping is a crime unless it is done under court order.
Commissioner Hepbron said, "That so far as I know, the wiretapping done by the department has been done legally." He said he would check Rackets Division records to be sure that such activities in connection with the 408 Bar raid was done with court order.

He was not available yesterday to report on whether that check had been made.

Records not available.

J Harold Grady, states attorney said yesterday that his office had no intention of going into the wiretapping subject unless the commission reported the law had been violated.

Court records on the matter cannot be examined until tomorrow since yesterday veteran's day is a holiday.

Mr. Myers said his objection to having his client undergo a "lie detector test" was because there is too much opportunity for tampering "The same as it was in the wiretapping" Sgt. Kirby expressed he is willing to cooperate with the police department, which he loves Mr. Myers declared.

"He has maintained his innocence."

He has maintained his innocence and has been intimidated into silence to keep them from telling the entire truth instead of the half-truths and the whole lives.

He said the demand that the Sgt. submit to a lie detector test and his subsequent suspension made up in the amateurish attempts on the part of Lehman in the police department to silence the policeman and keep the public from knowing the truth. The investigation into the 408 Bar raid has centered around allegations his boss planted evidence in the hearing of the case.

 

The New York Times article "Important From Maryland.; Arrest of Marshall Kane", of June 28, 1861

IMPORTANT FROM MARYLAND.; ARREST OF MARSHALL KANE.

Published: June 28, 1861

BALTIMORE, Thursday, June 27.

At 3 o'clock this morning GEORGE P. KANE, Marshal of Police of this city, was arrested at his house by order of Gen. BANKS, and conveyed to Fort McHenry, where he is now held a prisoner.

Gen. BANKS has issued the following proclamation, with reference to the arrest:

HEAD-QUARTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ANNAPOLIS, June 27, 1861

By virtue of the authority vested in me, and in obedience of orders as Commanding General of the Military Department of Annapolis, I have arrested, and do now detain in custody, Mr. GEORGE P. KANE, Chief of Police of the City of Baltimore. I deem it proper at this the moment of arrest, to make a formal and public declaration of the motive by which I have been governed in this proceeding. It is not my purpose, neither is it in consonance with my instructions to interfere in any manner whatever with the legitimate government of the people of Baltimore or Maryland. I desire to support the public authorities in all appropriate duties in preserving the peace, protecting the property, in obeying and enforcing every municipal regulation and public statute consistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States and Maryland. But unlawful combinations of men organized for resistance to such laws, to provide hidden deposits of arms and ammunition, to encourage contraband traffic with men at war with the Government, and who, while enjoying its protection and privileges, stealthily wait an opportunity to combine their means and forces with those in rebellion against its authority, are not among the recognized or legal rights of any class of men, and cannot be permitted under any form of Government. Such combinations are well known to exist in this Department, and the mass of the citizens of Baltimore and of Maryland loyal to the Constitution and the Union, are neither parties to nor responsible for them. But the Chief of Police is not only cognizant of these facts, but in contravention of his duty and in violation of law, he is by direction or indirection, both witness and protector to the transactions and parties engaged therein. Under such circumstances the Government cannot regard him otherwise than as the head of on armed force, hostile to its authority, and acting in concert with its avowed enemies, for this reason, superseding his official authority, as well as that of the Commissioners of Police, I have arrested and do now retain him in custody of the United States; and, in further pursuance of my instructions, I have appointed, for the time being Col. KENLY, of the First Maryland Regiment, of Volunteers, Provost Marshal in and for the City of Baltimore, to superintend and cause to be executed the Police Laws provided by the Legislature of Maryland, with the aid and assistance of the subordinate officers of the Police Department, and he will be respected accordingly.

Whenever a loyal citizen shall be otherwise named for the performance of this duty, who will execute the laws impartially, and in good faith to the Government of the United States, the military of this Department will render to him that instant and willing obedience which is due from every good citizen to his Government.

(Signed,) NATH. P. BANKS,

Major General Commanding the Department of Annapolis.

Considerable excitement has been occasioned be the arrest of Marshal KANE. The Union men are pleased, and the Secessionists indignant.

Col. KENLY, Provost Marshal, waited on the Mayor and Police Commissioners, when the latter asked time to consider the mail [???]. KENLY replied his orders were immediate, and he proceeded to the Marshal's office, taking possession there.

The Commissioners then directed the officers to obey the military authority, and declared their intention to prepare a protest against the action of the Government.

At 2 o'clock, this afternoon, the Police Commissioners, after consultation, issued orders to the Police Officers to take off their insignia of office, badges, cars, buttons, & coats, and virtually disbanded them.

The Board issued a protest, which is signed by the Mayor as one of the Board.

Col. KENLY has been actively engaged swearing in a new Police force, and he has appointed a Captain in all the Districts. It was the desire of Col. KENLY to retain the present force as far as possible, but the action of the Police Commissioners thwarted this purpose.

The City is quiet.

This is important information in the History of the Baltimore Police Department because it comes within our timeline when several things happened.
1861/62 - In March of 1862, the military authorities had taken control of the Department on June 27, 1861, turned over the Police Department to the authority of the State. 1862 - On June 22,1862, a newly formed Police force appeared in a completely new uniform with a new series of badges. Known as 3rd Issue, it had the same center section of the first badge, and  returning the designation of "City Police" surrounded by twenty small points encircled by a narrow rim.  Note: The 20 pointer was replaced by an order from the Commissioner. he said "too many were in the hands of the citizens." (This was found in an article in the newspaper circa -1890.) 1978 - As a result of this arrest, the Baltimore City Police Department remained under State governance until 1978, when the Mayor began to appoint the Police Commissioner, subject to confirmation by the City Council (Chapter 920, Acts of 1976).

MISSION STATEMENT

To preserve and honor this fine Police Department and all that have served, are serving,
and who will serve with honor and dignity.

The History Behind this Site
From Bill Hackley 

Since my retirement I have become increasingly interested in the History of the
Baltimore Police Department. I am also involved in preserving our past & Honoring our Fallen Officers.

Bill Passed away in March 2012 - in July the site was given to Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll to rebuild, maintain and upkeep. Det. Kenny Driscoll and Bill had become friends over the last few years and shared a love and respect for the department they both served. Also like Bill; Kenny had retired due to a Line of Duty Injury. In Kenny's case his injuries left him unable to walk, or work. Still Bill and Ken's respect for the men and women that have served the Baltimore Police Department has given them the drive to preserve and share their stories. Kenny added several pages to Bill's site, including African American Police in the Baltimore Police Department, Women in the Baltimore Police Department, Good Cop / Bad Cop, and the Hall of Fame just to name a few. The Hall of Fame is a page for any officer that had ever served, it is a place for their name, assignment(s) and awards. We think the work that Bill and Kenny have, and are putting into this site should show just how hard the men and women of the Baltimore Police Department work, and how serious they take their oath to serve and protect the citizens of Baltimore.
 

Baltimore's Finest
December 1975

The following anonymous letter was received by the Police Commissioner.

Dear Commissioner Pomerleau,

We thought you might like to know how some of us feel about the men you have in your Department.

AS WE SEE A "COP"

A guy who will defend a person's life, even if it means giving up his own; One who stands ten feet tall in the eyes of a little old lady, who is afraid, and just wants a little reassurance, or A girl who needs help to change a flat tire; always conducting himself as a gentleman; A human being, who has been called every name under the sun, too often, instead of being thanked and praised for just being there when he is needed; He can be gentle with a lost child - kind and compassionate - yet, he can be as tough and forceful as is necessary, when the occasion calls for it; he's quite a guy! He lays his life on the line every day, and, 9 times out of 10, all he EVER gets for it, is his paycheck, which is never enough; A guy who can haul you over for speeding, read the riot act to you, and, in the next breath, let you go without a ticket; He's a special breed! A guy who can polish off a pitcher of beer without batting an eye, but is trying to watch his weight; who lives life to the fullest, who is proud of his uniform and his job; A person who, somehow, can adjust to crazy hours - nights and days that sometimes fly by, sometimes never end; A person who has feet of clay (don't we all? ) but whose mind and heart are finely tuned like a Rolls Royce; Whoever it was who said these men are "Baltimore's Finest" must have known the same cops we do; Knowing that these kind of men are on the job give people like us a feeling of pride and security. Our hats off to all of you!

"A POLICE OFFICER'S SERENITY PRAYER"

"God grant me the serenity to accept the dangers of the job, courage to do what I can to protect law and order, and the wisdom to put my safety into your hands."

Law Enforcement Oath of Honor

On my Honor, I will never
betray my Badge, my Integrity,
my Character or the Public Trust.

 I will always have the Courage to hold
myself and others accountable for our actions. 

I will always uphold the
Constitution, my community, and the
Agency I serve.

POLICE OFFICER SURVIVAL CREED
The will to survive, to survive the attack, must be uppermost in my mind. For the one who lives through a fight is better off than the one who does not. Therefore, preparation and not paranoia is the key to my survival. To survive I must be aware, be alert, be confident, be deceptive, be decisive, and be ready. I must expect the unexpected and do the unexpected. When faced with violent assault, my life depends upon my reaction without hesitation. There is no time to ponder because to ponder is to possibly perish. My response, if attacked, must not be fear but aggressiveness. I must block out all thoughts of my own peril and think only of stopping the assailant. My prize in personal defense is my life. The perfect fight is one that is over before the loser realizes what is happening. The perfect defense is a counterattack that succeeds before the enemy can attack again. Therefore, if I am assaulted, I will retaliate instantly. I will be sudden and quick. I will be fast, not fair. Speed is my salvation. If my attacker knocks me down, I will fight back against the odds and get up off the ground. I will seize the initiative and take every advantage. My concern is to stay alive. I won't hold back. If I find myself under lethal attack, I won't be kind. I will be harsh and tough. If I must shoot, I will shoot with precision and shoot to stop. If I must use my hands, I will use them with all the strength I possess and more. When I strike, I will strike hard; I will kick, punch, and do what must be done to survive. I will strike no more after my attacker is incapable of further action, but I will see that he is stopped. Above all, I won't give up and I will make it. I will not die in the streets, or in an alley, or in any other part of the concrete jungle. I will survive; not just by good luck and good fortune, but by my skills. If I adhere to these basic principles of survival and adhere to the attitude that is suggested in them, as a police officer, I will greatly enhance and perfect my skills in utilizing good and safe practices, tactics, and techniques.

ALWAYS GO HOME

Photo courtesy Officer Nick Nixon

SIGNAL 13 FOUNDATION

The mission of the Frank J. Battaglia Signal 13 Foundation is to provide financial assistance to Baltimore Police Department Personnel, both civilian and sworn, who unexpectedly suffer extreme personal emergencies that are a result of personal financial mishaps.

Only 13 of these badges in Lucite were ever made.

  

This is an UNOFFICIAL site of the Baltimore Police Department which depicts the history of the department as was told by Retired Officer William M. Hackley; Officer Hackley passed away on March 15th 2012 as such Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll will take over sole responsible for the sites content. The thoughts and use of certain items, terms, sound, and implications are not necessarily those that may be the same as the Baltimore Police Department, as an official Governmental Agency.