Chief Jacob W. Schmidtt was instrumental in converting the antiquated and inefficient Marshal’s system of policing into an organized modern Metropolitan Police Department. Chief Schmidtt was the longest serving chief in the history of the department. With the exception of a gap of a few years, Schmidtt was chief from 1866 until his retirement June 19, 1893.
Patrolman William M. Tucker #45 is believed to be the first black officer appointed to the department on June 3, 1881. Patrolman Tucker worked one of the downtown beats out of Central Station, and retired on June 8, 1903.
The basis of the Bertillion system of identification, developed in France in the age before fingerprinting, was a record of distinct body measurements, coloring, and markings.
Here, Superintendent Koestle demonstrates Bertillion techniques to his “suspect,” Detective Frank Texler.
The Murphy Box, developed by former Western Union Lineman Jerry Murphy for the CPD in 1887.
1865
City Marshal Jacob W. Schmitt serves from 1865-1866
1866
Samuel Furnal was first acting Superintendent of Police
1867
Dr. John Dickinson appointed first police surgeon
1869
Man-hour shifts were ten hours long
1870
Forerunner of the Call Box was used
1873
Detective force consisted of four men
1881
William Manuel Tucker is the first black officer appointed to CPD
1886
Mayor George W. Gardner started competitive exams for police force applicants. Established the Civil Service in the city
1893
Women became an integral part of police force known as the matron Service. Mrs. Harriet Garfield and Mrs. Emma Essinger were the first Police Matrons
1897
Identification Bureau was established using the Bertillion system of identification. Criminals were photographed and measured
1900
Murphy Call Box designed. Was a combined compact telephone and telegraph system
1902
The State Legislature established a uniform municipal code for all cities and towns in Ohio and created the Juvenile Court