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Baltimore Police History

Historical Events Calendar

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  • 01 Oct

    Brass Buttons Seized by War efforts

    Brass Buttons Seized by War Efforts
    1 Oct 1942
    Brass Buttons Taboo, Policemen's Future Dark
    The Evening Sun 1 Oct 1942 page 27 and page 44
    Officers Face World Grimly as WPB [War Production Board] Order takes Twinkling Coat easterners From New uniform Coats.
    The Baltimore Police Department found itself in a hole today - a BUTTONHOLE… The fortunes of war 'shot' the tradition brass buttons right off the uniform of the Bluecoats. Boy, are the police glad their pants buttons are black!
    A button manufacturer in Waterbury, Connecticut, informed uniform makers here that no more brass buttons will be available for police uniforms, and the uniform manufactures notified Commissioner Robert F. Stanton, who in turn notified Senator George R. Radcliffe.
    Could Wear Overalls
    Senator Radcliffe tendered his deepest buttons - beg pardon, sympathies - but said there was nothing he could do to help the police department out of its hole. The restriction on the manufacture of brass buttons is a War Production Board order which became effective 4 Sept 1942, he said.
    The order prohibits the use of brass buttons for anything except overalls or dungarees, which, if you ask the bluecoat on the beat, sounds a little bit like rubbing it in.
    What! No Pants?
    The next class of probationary policemen to be graduated from the police school will be the first members of the department to feel the pinch of the button crisis. But the last class, numbering 30, which was graduated yesterday, had a hint of the hard times ahead. They had to graduate without their pants, that is.
    The graduation took place in the Police Building on the Fallsway. The graduates had coats, caps, white shirts and black ties, but no pants - uniform pants. Furthermore, they can't go on the street duty until they get pants - uniform pants.
    http://www.baltimorepolicemuseum.org/images/The_Evening_Sun_Thu_Oct_1_1942.jpg
    Stanton is Perplexed
  • 02 Oct

    Non-emergency 311 introduced

    Today in BPD History 2 Oct 1996 We became the first city in the country to introduce and use the non-emergency 311 -. On 1 March 1985, we put 911 into use http://www.baltimorepolicemuseum.org/images/Sun_Fri_Aug_30_1996_pg_1-2.jpg #BPD_History
  • 02 Oct

    Fallen Patrolman Michael J Egan

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 2 Oct 1920, we lost our brother Patrolman Michael J Egan, Southwest District to a heart attack brought back-to-back aggressive calls; based on the following. https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/918-patrolman-michael-j-egan #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 02 Oct

    Henry's Birthday

    My grandson Henry's Birthday
  • 03 Oct

    Patrolman Joseph B. Hoffman - Injured

    Today in Baltimore Police History 3 Oct 1967, our Brother Ret. Patrolman Joseph B. Hoffman would become blind in both eyes due to gunfire based on the following:

    Blinded Patrolman Wins Full Pension
    The Sun (1837-1987); Dec 18, 1970;
    pg. C22

    BLINDED PATROLMAN WINS FULL PENSION

    A Central District patrolman who was blinded in a 1967 gun battle has won his flight for a 100% disability pension.

    The Board of Trustees of the fire and police pension system awarded Ret Officer Joseph B. Hoffman, 43, a $10,044 a year pension for life Wednesday. It was the first full pay disability award made by the trustees under the new ordinance that was passed primarily because of efforts of patrolman Hoffman.

    In November, he picketed City Hall, arousing the sympathy of nearly every politician inside. The pension ordinance, which had been languishing for two years, was quickly resurrected and passed. It went into effect early this month.

    Patrolman Hoffman – on full paid medical leave since he was blinded – was scheduled to be pensioned off under the old system that would have given him only about $6000 a year the new pension system will allow him to retire at full pay.

    “My family is really happy. My family is really happy,” patrolman Hoffman repeated over and over again at his Glen Burnie home yesterday. “That’s why I got out and walked and did what I did to have it the old pension system changed.”

    Patrolman Hoffman, the father of three children, said he plans to get trained and find a job. He has yet to decide what job to take.

    He was wounded in the head October 3, 1967, while trying to capture a burglary suspect. The wound force the removal of both eyes.

    His plight prompted a visit and a pair of cufflinks from then Gov. Agnew, and a fund drive by the police wives association that collected $21,000. The patrolman’s case gained further prominence in February a year ago when the police wives association charged at six Baltimore restaurant refused to serve him because he was accompanied by his seeing-eye dog Ritchie.

    The restaurants later apologized when informed of the state law permitting service to blind persons with Seeing Eye dogs.

    Firefighter Edward had tried, a pension fund board member, set a fireman and a policeman Lieut. also, are being considered for a full disability pension.

    Full disability under the ordinance is described as brain damage or the loss of two arms hands eyes feet legs or any combination of the two.

    Blinded in one eye by a police bullet during an early morning fracas which resulted in the death of a burglary suspect, a Central district patrolman was in danger yesterday of losing all of his eyesight. A spokesman for University Hospital said there were no complications in surgery on Patrolman Joseph B. Huffman, 40, but added that 'prospects for his left eye are poor.' He was listed in 'satisfactory condition.' The policeman lost his right eye, which was hit accidentally by either another policemen's I bullet or a ricocheting bullet or from his own pistol. During the fray at Pratt and Paca Street. Charles E. Dorsey, 20 if the 2900 block West North Avenue, the burglary suspect, was shot and killed by police.
  • 04 Oct

    Maddie's birthday

    My cousin's granddaughter Maddie's birthday (Bobby's granddaughter)
  • 04 Oct

    Fallen Officer Thomas F Steinacker

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 4 Oct 1932, we lost our Brother Officer Thomas F. Steinacker to an auto accident based on the following.

    https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/816-officer-thomas-f-stienacker #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 05 Oct

    History of the Baltimore Police Espantoon

    Beating a Watchman - Two men, named Samuel Farr and George Crist, were brought up yesterday morning at Centre Watchhouse, before Wm. A Schaffer, Esq. They were arrested by Lieutenant Delcher, and watchman Speaks, charged with taking from the latter his Espantoon and rattle, beating him severely, and setting a bulldog on him. They were both committed fully for trial

    History of Espantoon
    **** Theories are as plentiful in the word Espantoon as they are in just about anything police-related, and there are a lot of theories!

    Therefore, we won't present anything in this section as fact, just something to think about. Ideas, suggestions, and theories that have come about from newspaper articles, and conversations with guys that have used them, collected and studied them for years. Some of this will be covered throughout this page, but we will try to mention it and other ideas about the name(s) for Baltimore's baton in this section.

    For many years there have been suggestions that Espantoon was a spelling error for Espontoon - A 'Spontoon,' also known by the variant in the spelling of 'Espontoon' is a half-pike, a type of European polearm that came into being alongside the pike. The spontoon was in wide use by the mid 17th century, and it continued to be used until the mid to late 19th century. Others say Espantoon could have derived from the Spanish verb 'espan·tar' which, is said to mean, 'Frighten, Terrify, or to chase one off?' This theory has often been used, in fact, many Spanish-speaking researchers have suggested that it could be intentional; due to ESPANTO's meaning. So, putting the two together we would have Espanto and spontoon which equals Espantoon a pike weapon made to scare. or chase off a potential threat. We will find elsewhere on this page how the Espantoon can end a threat just as the racking of a shotgun or growl of a K9. I am sure anyone that has ever drawn an Espantoon or Baton from a nightstick ring will tell you, the act of taking out the weapon will often stop a threat or potential threat before ever having to be used.

    Mispronunciations, in looking at the parts of the Espantoon. Starting with the striking end; for years everyone that knew the parts called this the 'Barrel-Head.' Old-timers not only said it was the Barrelhead but pointed out how it is convex and looks like a Barrel as a reason for it receiving its name. We are including a photo below of our 'Nomenclature stick,' in the photo the Barrelhead is painted 'Blue.' This looks like and is often mistaken for the handle of our baton, however, for us [ Baltimore Police ] it is the 'Striking' or 'Jabbing' end. We hold it by the shaft, [ The section painted 'Black' and labeled 'Grip' ] which in other agencies, would be the striking end. If we were using the baton to jab, we would put our strong-hand on the lower end of the shaft, and our weak-hand just under the 'Ring-Stop.' With this, we could easily thrust the Barrel-Head forward [generally into the stomach] in a jabbing motion, hopefully ending their attack, or threat quickly and with little to no injury to ourselves of the adversary.' ]

    Oddly enough in other such blunt-end weapons, such as the 'Irish Shillelagh' or the 'African Knobkierrie' both having either a naturally formed or man-made blunt striking end. The defense-end on these weapons is called the 'Burl head.' Which raises the question; could it be that someone years ago, heard, or perhaps even said, 'Barrelhead' but was misunderstood and believed to have said, 'Barrelhead?' After all, Baltimore has a mix of Southern and Northern accents that can often be misunderstood.

    This mispronunciation brings us to another theory, in that perhaps Espantoon, isn't a misspelling of Espontoon, but a mispronunciation or misunderstanding of, 'A spontoon.' Said fast enough, and with a Baltimore accent that turned, Burl-Head into Barrelhead; could give us Espantoon out of, 'A spontoon.'

    Again, this is just theory, something to think about. Because after more than 200 years no matter how, or why it became an Espantoon, with a Barrelhead; it is now and will remain an Espantoon, with a Barrelhead.

    https://history23.bcpserver.com/index.php/component/content/article/111-espantoon
  • 06 Oct

    Fallen - Patrolman Thomas Baldwin

    1873 - 6 October 1873 - We lost our Brother Patrolman Thomas Baldwin * https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/768-baldwin-thomas-marshal #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 07 Oct

    Eight Point Hat Introduced

    1886 - In 1886 Under the direction of Jacob Frey and Commissioner Carr, The Police Helmet, (AKA the Bobby Cap) worn in other cities, was made part of the uniform of the Baltimore Police Officer. It was introduced by Commissioner Alford J. Carr. Taking the place of the derby (Bell Cap) formerly worn by Baltimore police. Commissioner Carr specified that the black helmet was to be worn in the winter, and the pearl gray helmet would be worn during summer months. It was also limited to use by Patrolman and Sergeants

    1908 - 7 Nov 1908 The Baltimore Police Hat - After 22 years, The Baltimore Police Department stops using the Police Helmet, (Bobby Cap) and goes to a more modern round, or oval top, police hat. From the Baltimore Sun paper - The Baltimore Police Department will go from the police helmet to the more modern cap and officers donned new uniforms, veteran Captains returned to old Districts, caps will supplant helmets, and Espantoons are in use once again.

    The helmet at that time was significant in rank, only patrolman and sergeants wore it. The Marshal and his Deputy Marshal, as well as all Captains and Lieutenants, would continue to wear the regular cap of the period. Similar to that worn by the Fire Department, known today as a Bell cap or hat and on this day Nov 7, 1908, After 22 years of the Bobby cap (Helmet), The Baltimore Police Department stops using said Helmet and goes to a more modern round, or oval top, police hat. (The type is still worn in Chicago and other Cities)

    1944 - Then on 7 Oct 1944 The Baltimore police switches from the round, or oval top police caps that were worn for nearly 30 years after the 'Bobby Cap' type police helmet, to the current 'Octagonal' or 'Eight point' hat we seen worn today.

    1935 and 1941 Two other historic BPD hat changes were made, 1935 Officers in the traffic section were issued a Pith Hat, and in 1941 officers wearing the round hat took to a style called a crushed hat, after McArthur officers removed the steel reinforcement ring from their hats to create a similar look to that of General McArthur

    https://history23.bcpserver.com/component/content/article/404-hat-and-helmet-history
  • 08 Oct

    Fallen Officer Richard J. Lear

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 8 Oct 1985 we lost our Brother, Officer Richard J. Lear to an auto accident based on the following:https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/959-officer-richard-j-lear #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 08 Oct

    Fallen Patrolman John R Falconer

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 8 Oct 1961 we lost our Brother, Patrolman John R Falconer to an auto accident based on the following:

    https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/item/1103-patrolman-john-r-falconer.html #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 08 Oct

    Know-Nothing Riots

    Election day 8 October 1856, was marked with violence in twenty city wards in Baltimore. Democrats incited a riot in the eighth ward, nicknamed 'The Irish Eighth,' when Democrats tried to drive Know-Nothings out of the eighth ward's polls, and a shootout occurred on Monument Street. 3 Democrats were killed.
  • 08 Oct

    Officer Charles Mitchell - Injured

    Today in BPD history 8 October 1976, our Brother Officer Charles Mitchell was injured in the line of duty based on the following; https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-heroes/our-wounded-heroes.html #BPD_History
  • 09 Oct

    Fallen Officer Leo Bacon

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 9 Oct 1936 we lost our brother Police Officer Leo Bacon to a surgery that came about due to a Line of Duty Injury that had occurred sometime earlier based on the following:https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/693-officer-leo-bacon #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 09 Oct

    Fallen Officer John F. Andrews

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 9 Oct 1957 we lost our Brother Police Officer John F. Andrews to an auto accident based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/704-officer-john-f-andrews #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 10 Oct

    Fallen Officer William Martin

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 10 October 1989 we lost our Brother Police Officer William Martin to gunfire based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/771-officer-william-martin #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 10 Oct

    Officer James L. McFillin - Injured

    Officer James L. McFillin along with officer Daniel J. Calhoun were shot within 13 hours of each other in separate incidents
  • 10 Oct

    John Prine's Birthday

    John Prine's Birthday
  • 11 Oct

    Maryland State flag was first flown

    On 11 Oct 1880 during a parade in Baltimore to mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of the city the Maryland State flag was first flown. It was also flown on 25 Oct, 1888, at the Gettysburg Battlefield for ceremonies dedicating monuments to Maryland regiments of the Army of the Potomac. Of all the State Flags, Maryland's is the only state flag to be directly based on English heraldry
  • 12 Oct

    Dennis Driscoll Jr Birthday

    Dennis Driscoll Jr Birthday
  • 13 Oct

    Navy's Birthday

    In 1972, the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, designated October 13, 1775 as the Navy's offical birthday, and directed that it be commemorated so as to “enhance [the] appreciation of our Navy heritage” and reinforce “pride and professionalism in the Naval Service.”
  • 14 Oct

    Fallen Sergeant Richard P. Harris

    Today in Baltimore Police History 14 Oct 1994 we lost our Brother Sergeant Richard P. Harris to an auto accident on his way home from work and involved in an auto accident while making a U-turn on Pulaski Highway based on the following sun paper report https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/934-sgt-richard-p-harris #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 14 Oct

    Fallen Officer Kevin McCarthy

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 14 October 2000, we lost our Brothers, Sergeant John Platt and Officer Kevin McCarthy who were killed when their patrol car as it was broadsided in that Hamilton intersection by a drunk driver. https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/965-officer-kevin-mccarthy #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 14 Oct

    Fallen Sergeant John Platt

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 14 October 2000, we lost our Brothers, Sergeant John Platt and Officer Kevin McCarthy who were killed when their patrol car as it was broadsided in that Hamilton intersection by a drunk driver. https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/845-sergeant-john-platt #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 14 Oct

    Fallen Sergeant William Jourdan

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 14 October 1857, we lost our brother Sergeant William Jourdan to gunfire based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/947-sergeant-william-jourdan #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 15 Oct

    Marshal Jacob Frey was appointed

    Today in Baltimore Police History 15 Oct 1885 Marshal Jacob Frey was appointed Marshal he remained Baltimore’s Marshal until 12 July 1897 - https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/k2/marshal-jacob-frey.html
  • 15 Oct

    Crash Unit is initiated on this day in 1937

    1937 - 15 Oct 1937 - The Baltimore Police Crash Unit begins training was done at Northwestern University.
  • 16 Oct

    Fallen Officer Thomas J. O'Neill

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 16 Oct 1949 we lost our Brother Police Officer Thomas J. O'Neill based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/979-officer-thomas-j-o-neill #BPDNeverForget
  • 16 Oct

    Fallen - Detective Brian Stevenson

    On 16 Oct 2010 we lost brother police Detective Brian Stevenson, off duty, and not a line of duty, but he was our brother and he was murdered https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/815-detective-brian-stevenson #BPDNeverForget
  • 16 Oct

    Madison's Birthday

    My granddaughter Madison's Birthday
  • 16 Oct

    Douglas Lee Patterson

    Douglas Lee Patterson, would be in his late 60's if he was still with us, Doug was living in Rapid City, S.D., previously of Livingston, Texas, when he passed away on October 16, 2010. He was born July 8, 1955, in Greenfield, Iowa, the son of Robert B. Patterson and Eleanor D. Hill Patterson. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor's in economics, and retired from the Baltimore City Police Department after 20 years of service. Surviving is one sister, Dianne Kwiatkowski, of Warrenton, Va.; and one brother, David Patterson, of Eldersburg, Md.; two nephews and three nieces; and three aunts. Private service and internment to be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Autism Society, P.O. Box 29364, Richmond, Va. 23242-0364. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel and Crematory, 982-2100.
    God bless you Brother, I wish you knew while you were alive how much you meant to all of us.
  • 16 Oct

    Police Call Box

    Today in Baltimore Police History 16 Oct 1885 the first Police call Box went into service (it was established by Marshal Jacob Frey).

    Police Call Box
    Saturday (16 October 1885) Box 63 was the 1st used
    It was located at the corner of Franklin and Charles Streets

    History
    Based on the following Baltimore got its first Call Box in 1885

    Baltimore's first patrol wagon went into service on 25 October 1885 and is believed to have made Baltimore only the second city to use patrol wagons in the country behind Chicago. While in the gymnasium of Central's station reading an illustrated magazine Marshal Jacob Frey saw facts on police patrol wagons first being used in Chicago. He brought the idea before the (BOC) Board of Commissioners; they were mildly interested. Frey didn't give up on ideas that he believed in; some weeks later he called the board’s attention to the matter again, they had forgotten about it but promised to look into it. Wagon's and the Police Telegraph Box Systems were the future of policing in Frey's eyes, and after The BOC failed to act, Marshal Frey took matters into its own hands. He sent one of the members of the department to Chicago to see how the 'New Fanged' patrols wagons worked. An old record states, 'they were charmed.' While there, they saw Chicago’s new 'Police Telegraph Box' system. (Known now as the Call box). The results of Baltimore's trip was both of these tools were in Baltimore by the fall of 1885. According to Baltimore Sun paper reports, Chicago was the first to use the Police Telegraph System, and Baltimore became the second department in the country to use the system. Baltimore continued using these boxes from 1885 until 1985 when they established a 1-800 number for police to use to call back into the station when radio use was inappropriate. All boxes were finally removed from service by 1987.

    An 1894 advertisement for the 'Glasgow Style Police Signal Box System', sold by the National Telephone Company. The first police telephone was installed in Albany, New York in 1877, one year after Alexander Graham Bell invented the device. Call boxes for use by both police and members of the public were first installed in Washington, DC in 1883; Chicago and Detroit installed police call boxes in 1884, and in 1885 Boston followed suit. These were direct line telephones placed on a post which could often be accessed by a key or breaking a glass panel. In Chicago, the telephones were restricted to police use, but the boxes also contained a dial mechanism which members of the public could use to signal different types of alarms: there were eleven signals, including 'Police Wagon Required', 'Thieves', 'Forgers', 'Murder', 'Accident', 'Fire' and 'Drunkard'.

    The first public police telephones in Britain were introduced in Glasgow in 1891. These tall, hexagonal, cast-iron boxes were painted red and had large gas lanterns fixed to the roof, as well as a mechanism which enabled the central police station to light the lanterns as signals to police officers in the vicinity to call the station for instructions.

    Rectangular, wooden police boxes were introduced in Sunderland in 1923, and Newcastle in 1925. The Metropolitan Police (Met) introduced police boxes throughout London between 1928 and 1937, and the design that later became the most well-known was created for the Met by Gilbert MacKenzie Trench in 1929. Although some sources (e.g.) assert that the earliest boxes were made of wood, the original MacKenzie Trench blueprints indicate that the material for the shell of the box is 'concrete' with only the door being made of wood (specifically, 'teak'). Officers complained that the concrete boxes were extremely cold. For use by the officers, the interiors of the boxes normally contained a stool, a table, brushes and dusters, a fire extinguisher, and a small electric heater. Like the 19th century Glaswegian boxes, the London police boxes contained a light at the top of each box, which would flash as a signal to police officers indicating that they should contact the station; the lights were, by this time, electrically powered.

    By 1953 there were 685 police boxes on the streets of London. Police boxes played an important role in police work until 1969-1970, when they were phased out following the introduction of personal radios. As the main function of the boxes was superseded by the rise of portable telecommunications devices like the walkie-talkie, very few police boxes remain in Britain today. Some have been converted into High Street coffee bars. These are common in Edinburgh, though the City also has dozens that remain untouched — most in various states of disrepair.

    Edinburgh's boxes are relatively large, and are of a rectangular plan, with a design by Ebenezer James MacRae, who was inspired by the city's abundance of neoclassical architecture. At their peak, there were 86 scattered around the city. In 2012, Lothian and Borders Police sold a further 22, leaving them owning 20. One police box situated in the Leicestershire village of Newtown Linford is still used by local police today.

    The red police box, as seen at the Glasgow Museum of Transport In 1994 Strathclyde Police decided to scrap the remaining Glasgow police boxes. However, owing to the intervention of the Civil Defence & Emergency Service Preservation Trust and the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, some police boxes were retained and remain today as part of Glasgow's architectural heritage. At least four remain—on Great Western Road (at the corner of Byres Road); Buchanan Street (at the corner of Royal Bank Place); Wilson Street (at the intersection of Glassford Street, recently completely restored); and one near the corner of Cathedral Square (at the corner of Castle Street, also recently restored). There was also a red police box preserved in the Glasgow Museum of Transport but this was returned to the Civil Defence Trust after Glasgow City Council decided it did not fit in with the new Transport Museum. The police boxes in Glasgow on Great Western Road is leased as a coffee and donut kiosk, Cathedral Square is leased as the 'Tartan Tardis,' selling Scottish memorabilia, and Buchanan Street is currently under license to a Glasgow-based ice cream outlet. As of November 2011, and restrictions are enforced by the Civil Defence & Emergency Service Preservation Trust to prevent the exterior of the boxes from being modified beyond the trademarked design.

    The Civil Defence & Emergency Service Preservation Trust now manage eleven of the UK's last 'Gilbert Mackenzie Trench' Police Signal Boxes on behalf of a private collector. Another blue police box of this style is preserved at the National Tramway Museum, Crich, Derbyshire. One of the Trust's boxes stands outside the Kent Police Museum in Chatham, Kent. and another at Grampian Transport Museum. An original MacKenzie Trench box exists on the grounds of the Metropolitan Police College (Peel Centre) at Hendon. There is no public access, but it can easily be seen from a Northern Line tube train traveling from Colindale to Hendon Central (on the left-hand side).

    In the City of London, there are eight non-functioning police 'call posts' still in place which are Grade II listed buildings. The City of London Police versions were cast iron rectangular posts, as the streets are too narrow for full sized boxes. One compartment contained the telephone and another locked compartment held a first aid kit.

    Fifty posts were installed in the 'Square Mile' from 1907; they were in use until 1988.

    On Thursday 18 April 1996 a new police box based on the Mackenzie Trench design was unveiled outside the Earl's Court tube station in London, equipped with CCTV cameras and a telephone to contact police. The telephone ceased to function in April 2000 when London's telephone numbers were changed, but the box remained, despite the fact that funding for its upkeep and maintenance had long since been exhausted. In March 2005, the Metropolitan Police resumed funding the refurbishment and maintenance of the box (which is something of a tourist attraction, thanks to the Doctor Who association — see below). Glasgow introduced a new design of police boxes in 2005. The new boxes are not booths but rather computerized kiosks that connect the caller to a police CCTV control room operator. They stand ten feet in height with a chrome finish and act as 24-hour information points, with three screens providing information on crime prevention, police force recruitment and even tourist information. Manchester also has 'Help Points' similar to those in Glasgow, which contains a siren that is activated by the emergency button being pressed; this also causes CCTV cameras nearby to focus on the Help Point. Liverpool has structures similar to police boxes, known as police 'Help Points', which are essentially an intercom box with a push button mounted below a CCTV camera on a post with a direct line to the police.

    https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-history/call-box.html
  • 17 Oct

    Fallen Officer John J. Dailey

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 17 Oct 1895 we lost our Brother Police Officer John J. Dailey to gunfire based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/909-officer-john-j-dailey #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 17 Oct

    First Female Officer Shot in the Line of Duty

    Today in Baltimore Police History 17 October 1914, Policewoman Elizabeth Faber was shot down on the west end of the Edmondson Avenue bridge. She nearly died as a result but survived her injuries. After a year of trying to come back she was forced to leave the agency by the BOC. It was an odd time, as we only started hiring women two years earlier in June of 1912, and even after this, we wouldn't train, and issue firearms to our ladies in blue until 28 March 1925.

    https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/630-policewoman-elizabeth-faber #BaltimorePoliceHistory
  • 18 Oct

    Officer Earl Carter - Injured

    Officer Earl Carter was injured during a presidential visit when he had a motorcycle accident during the procession on 18 Oct 1978
  • 20 Oct

    1st Issue Badge Introduced

    Today in Baltimore Police History 20 Oct 1851, The first known metallic badge worn by Baltimore Police Officers is issued https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-history/badges.html #BPD_History
  • 20 Oct

    Fallen Officer Thomas Portz Jr

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 20 Oct 2010 we lost our Brother Police Officer Thomas Portz Jr to an auto accident based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/843-officer-thomas-portz-jr #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 22 Oct

    Agent Eugene J. Cassidy - Injured

    Today in Baltimore Police History 22 Oct 1987 our Brother Eugene Cassidy was shot point-blank in the head. He would go on to survive his injuries but they left him blind in the process. Thank God Gene is still with us, and for the inspiration, he has become to so many.
    On a day like today, we can take a minute to thank God for giving Gene more time with us, while we are reminded of the sacrifices that are made every day by our police in this city and around the country.
    https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/component/k2/item/614-agent-gene-cassidy.html #BPD_Injuried
  • 24 Oct

    Fallen - Sergeant James J. Purcell

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 24 Oct 1955, we lost our brother Sergeant James Purcell to gunfire based on the following; https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/770-sergeant-james-purcell #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 25 Oct

    First Paddy Wagon

    Today in Baltimore Police History 25 Oct 1885 the first patrol wagon went into service (it was established by Marshal Jacob Frey).

    1885 - The first Patrol Wagon went into service on October 25, 1885 - and is believed to make Baltimore the second to use patrol wagons in the country, behind Chicago. The story goes; Deputy-Marshal Jacob Frey was reading an illustrated magazine, while in the gymnasium of Central's Station when he saw facts on Patrol Wagons being used in Chicago. He brought the idea before the board of police commissioners; they were mildly interested. Frey didn't give up on ideas that he believed in so he called the board’s attention to the matter again some weeks later. They had forgotten about it but promised to look into it.

    Wagon's and Police Telegraph Box Systems were the future in Frey's eyes, so after the legislation failed to act, the board 'Marshal Frey' took matters into its own hands. He sent one of the members of the 'Board' and 'Marshal Gray' to Chicago to see how the 'New Fangled' patrols wagons worked. They 'Were Charmed'old record states. And while there they saw Chicago’s new police telegraph box system. (Known as the call-box) the result was both facilities were in Baltimore by the fall of 1885. According to Gamewell's records, Chicago was the first to use the Police Telegraph System, and Baltimore was the second in this country to use this system.

    Info on Baltimore's Wagon to include a detailed description of our first wagons, the officers and the horses that operated them


    PADDY WAGON

    Info on Baltimore's Callbox to include the color of the boxes and where the boxes were first located.

    CALL BOX

    #BaltimorePoliceHistory
  • 25 Oct

    Thomas J. Niemiera attack

    Today in Baltimore police history 25 Oct 2015 our Brother Retired Thomas J. Niemiera was violently attacked while leaving a get together in the 4500 Blk of Pennington Ave. where he and some friends watched a football game on closed-circuit TV - Retired Officer Niemiera, continued to represent our agency when after being assaulted to a point where he was nearly killed, needed months of in-hospital treatment, therapy, and at home treatment, he got himself ready for a second battle, one in which he would have to go to trial against his attackers, and tell, then retell his story, under both States Attorney questioning and cross-examination. The defense attorneys tried to make Officer Niemiera out to be the bad guy, a tactic that went on just long enough to show the judge what kind of defendants, and defense attorneys she was dealing with. The assault took place on this day 25 Oct 2015, at which time a signal 13 was called, but was then called off by 09 Lt Brian Hance, when he learned it was a retired officer.

    We reported Lt Hance to then Commissioner Kevin Davis who not only made several visits to the shock trauma to see Officer Niemiera but assured us that he had a talk with Lieutenant Hance about calling off the signal 13 on Officer Niemiera. Davis said, once a Baltimore Police Officer, always a Baltimore Police Officer, and when a signal 13 is called on one of us, it will always be answered.

    With nearly 150 metal braces, screws, pins, and rods, Officer Niemiera's face was reconstructed, as we started to say earlier, he went to several trials a faced his attackers, both sister and brother were convicted. For Officer Niemiera's fight both physically and mentally, to get better from this attack, and then standing up to his attackers and seeing to it that they would not be on the streets of Baltimore anytime soon to treat anyone else like this. Officer Niemiera was named one of 2018’s Baltimore Police Historical Society's Officers of the Year.
  • 27 Oct

    Mug shots on our Drivers licenses

    On this day 27 Oct 1976 Maryland changed the game when it comes to Driver's licenses/Identification cards or shall we say MVA mug shots for our law abiding citizens... by putting our pictures on our Drivers licenses.

    The Baltimore Sun Wed 27 Oct 1976 - Just think of all that could have been done before we had pictures on our licenses. My dad used to take people's driving tests for them. He said he was young and made a quick buck doing it, also he said most of the people he tested for could drive, they either had little time, or were just bad testers, the only one he really felt bad about was a guy that might have been legally blind. I am not sure how he would have handled Jane's brother John, but to help Jane get her license he most likely would have slapped on a wig and stood his ground till he got her a license. He made a dollar every time he took the test and in the early 50s that was not bad money.

    The Baltimore Sun Wed 27 Oct 1976 phooto added to license 72
  • 27 Oct

    Fallen Officer Timothy Ridenour

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 27 Oct 1975 we lost our Brother Police Officer Timothy Ridenour to gunfire based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/838-officer-timothy-ridenour ‪#‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 27 Oct

    Fallen Officer Nelson F. Bell

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 27 October 1978, we lost our Brother K9 Officer Nelson F. Bell to gunfire based on the following; https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-heroes/our-fallen-heroes/item/653-nelson-f-bell.html #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 28 Oct

    Officer Gary Lapchek - Injured

    Officer Gary Lapchek - Today in Balto Police History 28 Oct 1997 Officer Lapchek was responding to a Sig 13 when he slipped on one of Baltimore's infamous marble steps blowing out his knee. But having heard the call for assistance, and knowing an officer was just inside the house and in need of assistance, Officer Lapchek made his way into the house anyway, providing the much-needed assistance. He was already injured, he wanted to make sure someone else would not be! Gary is a big guy 6'3'- 6'4' so sometimes his presence is enough to calm a room, other times, with his size, comes strength, and he has been forced to use it, in either case, Gary's appearance and strength helped prevent further injuries to a brother officer in need. I wish we had more information on this, But we don't all we have 1st hand knowledge as Ken and Gary have been friends since Gary joined the force and Ken was working when this occurred. Further, in 2008/09 Ken nominated Gary for the Purple Heart from the Police Officers Hall of Fame in Florida, it was an older case, and they were reluctant to hear it, but after reading the events, and hearing Ken's strong feelings on the case, they agreed to take it to the board for a vote; Ken said he believes strongly in the value of awards, and that if given where they were not earned it diminishes the value of that award, in the case of Gary Lapchek, if he were awarded this award, it would not dimish the award at all; in fact it would do quite the opposite, an injured officer continuing on, so that he might help a brother officer in his time of need is about as heroic as one can get. After careful consideration, Officer Lapchek was awarded the Police Officer Hall of Fame's Purple Heart, and a lifetime membership to the Hall of Fame, and we felt it would also be fitting for him to have been awarded the department's equivalent of that Purple Heart and award him the Citation of Valor. The Commissioner agreed and on 3 Feb 2014 Approved the Citation of Valor for injuries sustained on 28 Oct 1997.

    https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/bpd-heroes/our-wounded-heroes.html #BPD_LineOfDutyInjuresd
  • 28 Oct

    First Responder Appreciation day

    Today in Police, Fire EMT - First responder history, 2017 Congress named the 28th of October First Responder's Appreciation day. SO thanks to all of our first responders... Fire, Police EMT
  • 29 Oct

    Fallen Officer Carroll Hanley

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 29 Oct 1936, we lost our Brother, Police Officer Carroll Hanley in an auto accident based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/932-officer-carroll-hanley #BPDNeverForget
  • 29 Oct

    Heavenly Birthday to Jim Mitchell

    Happy heavenly birthday to Jim Mitchell, we didn't know each other long, but we knew each other well and became fast friend over the last 6 to 8 months of your life. You always gave us invaluable historical information when we rode out to your house to trade war stories and hang out with you. Wishing you a peaceful rest, and God's blessings.
  • 30 Oct

    Fallen Officer Harold Jerome Carey

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 30 Oct 1998 we lost our Brother Police Officer Harold Jerome Carey to an auto accident based on the following; ihttps://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/992-officer-harold-j-careyl ‪#‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 31 Oct

    Fallen Patrolman Charles W. Robb

    On this day in Baltimore Police History, 31 Oct 1926, we lost our Brother, Patrolman Charles W Robb after taking his own life, based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/en/item/1085-patrolman-charles-w-robb.html #‎BPDNeverForget‬
  • 31 Oct

    Officers Alric Moore, Garry Dresser, Glenn D. Hauze, and Joseph E. Hlafka, were all Injured

    Four Officers Wounded In Gun Fight October 31, 1974 The streets of West Baltimore were almost deserted as Officer Alric K. Moore, of the Western District began trying-up doors on his post in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 31, 1974. While approaching a bar in the 1600 block of West Baltimore Street he noticed that the side door was ajar. Closer examination revealed fresh pry marks and he immediately called for back-up units. When other officers arrived, they discovered that the juke box and other items had been removed. Further investigation revealed a trail of scuff marks, left by the heavy record player, leading down the alley to the rear porch of a house on Fayette Street. With the front of the building covered Officer Gary W. Dresser and Officer Moore approached the closed door that partly blocked by the stolen juke box. As they got onto the porch of the darkened house rapid-fire gun shots rang out from inside striking Officer Moore in the right shoulder and wounding Officer Dresser in the hand as he dove for cover. Back up officer had arrived just as the shots began to ring out, Officer Glenn D. Hauze was hit in the right shoulder by a burst of gunfire as he rushed to their aid. One of the bursts also struck Officer Joseph E. Hlafka wounding him in the jaw, back, shoulder, and both arms
  • 31 Oct

    Fallen Officer Arthur H. Malinofski

    On this day in Baltimore Police History 31 Oct 1935, we lost our brother Police Officer Arthur H. Malinofski to gunfire based on the following: https://baltimorepolicemuseum.com/index.php/en/component/k2/item/963-officer-arthur-h-malinofski #BPDNeverForget

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QUOTES


Before an arrow can go forward, it has to go Back


There's no right time to do wrong - and - no wrong time to do right!

Let Us To The End, Dare To Do Our Duty - Abraham Lincoln 


Leaders don't look for recognition from others. Leaders look for others to recognize.

If it feels like you are digging yourself into a hole - It's not too late to put your shovel down

Our prime purpose in life is to help others, and if we can't help them, the at least we can do is not to hurt them.

"Every society gets the kind of criminal it deserves. What is equally true is that every community gets the kind of law enforcement it demands." - Robert F. Kennedy

During an interrogation, It was said to the suspect - "There are only two people who know who did this, I'm looking at one, and you're looking at the other"

It is easier to stay out of trouble, than it is to get out of trouble!

In order to be able to think you have to risk being offensive. - Jordan Peterson 

Lawlessness is Lawlessness. Anarchy is Anarchy. Neither Race, nor Color, nor Frustration is an excuse for either lawlessness, or anarchy. - Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall  

Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. - Will Rogers

Copyright © 2002 - Baltimore City Police History - Baltimore Police Historical Society, INC - Ret Det Kenny Driscoll - We Have Never Been A For-Profit Website. When We Raise Funds, For Officers In Distress They No Longer Go Through Us. From Here On Out, We Have The Person We Are Assisting, Setting Up Their Own PayPal Accounts, And We Direct Donations To It. While It Is True We No Longer Actively Seek Monetary Donations, We Will Take Small Donations To Help Pay Our Domain Name Fees, And Server Fees, We Only Ask For What We Need And Donations Go Straight To The Companies We Use. Aside From That We Are Always Looking For Display Items. Things Like Old Police Memorabilia. We Will Not Share Email Addresses, Or Other Info, Everything Is Kept Private. All Rights Are Reserved. Our Site Is Powered By A2G
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