Taxi

Baltimore Police & Taxicabs

1943 - 12 Aug 1943 - Baltimore Police Department's Taxicab Bureau began late in the week of 12 Aug 1943, with the issuance of a new type of badge and identification card to Approx 1400 cab drivers in Baltimore City. It was announced on the 12th of Aug 1943 by William Monaghan, supervisor of the newly organized branch in Baltimore City's Police Department. This unit was the brainchild of Police Commissioner Hamilton Atkinson. Of the 1450 Cab drivers in Baltimore 1943, only 990 had applied for their licenses, of those 990, 45 were denied the right to a Baltimore Police Taxicab License, due to their past criminal records. 

The Identification Card and Badge issued by the Police at the time were described as having been, "hermetically" sealed between two transparent sheets of plastic to prevent their having being tampered with. This was an interesting line as if we look at the pics below we'll see a set of license and badge, and how it was just plastic covered ID cards and buttons... 

22 March 2001

1975 - 19 September 1975 - the department in cooperation with the State's Attorney's Office and various taxicab companies became part of the "Civilian Radio Taxi Patrol" in an effort to increase police service to the citizens of Baltimore. If, while on duty, a cab driver, whose vehicle is identified by a "Civilian Radio Taxi Patrol" shield on the right and left rear-quarter panels, obaerve1 anything demanding immediate police attention, he notifies his dispatcher, who in turn calls the Communication Division via a special Hotline. This program is another example of the department's efforts to involve the citizens of Baltimore in a united fight against crime. 

1982 - 20 January 1982 - The Baltimore Police Department work side by side and hand in hand with the Checker Cab Company on a project to form the TOP - Taxi On Patrol program. What began here in Baltimore went on to become a national program, to report and solve crimes all over the country 

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Aside from issuing Taxi Licenses, the also worked as drivers as a way to make extra money and protect cab drivers, and some programs that had cab drivers acting like a second set of eyes for our police.

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A Taxi Meter with Matching Taxi Drivers License and Button. Number 5923 expires 1963 also seen with the Taxi Meter is a Round Taxicab Tag-Plate, Dark Green with White letters. Number 313 Expires 1958

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My Favorite County Cab Driver

 Anyone with information, photographs, memorabilia, or other "Baltimore City Police" items can contact Ret. Det. Kenny Driscoll at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. follow us on Twitter @BaltoPoliceHist or like us on Facebook or mail pics to 8138 Dundalk Ave. Baltimore Md. 21222 - Rolland Fullen

Copyright © 2002 Baltimore City Police History - Ret Det Kenny Driscoll