Ever wonder what a cop's job looked like 175 years ago?
I want you for PEEL's Police-London, England (1839)
*You must be between 23 and 40 years of age.
*You will be paid the following rates:
CONSTABLE: 17s (shillings) per week (2014 equivalent is $109.52)
SERGEANT: 1.1ps (pounds sterling) per week (2014 equivalent is $141.74)
SUPERINTENDENT: 3.10ps per week (2014 equivalent is $399.41)
CHIEF CONSTABLE: 13.10ps per week (2014 equivalent is $1,698.34)
*Your working hours will be 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week. Every encouragement will be given to officers to grow beards as shaving is regarded as unhealthy. However, beards must not exceed 2 inches in length.
*Uniform will be worn all the time, to prevent accusations of spying on the public, whilst in ordinary clothes.
*A duty band will be worn to indicate whether you are on-duty or not.
*You are NOT allowed to vote in elections.
*You must not gossip with the public. In particular, avoid conversations with female servants or other women on
duty. Do not walk or converse with your comrades, merely exchange a word and pass on.
*You will walk about 20 miles per shift.
*No rest days are allowed and only one week holiday per annum (year) unpaid.
*No meal breaks are allowed. The top hat may be used to hold a snack. You must inform the Superintendent
before you associate, eat or drink with any civilians.
*Before attending for medical examination and interview to join the police, it is advisable to have a bath.
*You are NOT allowed to sit down in public houses at any time.
*You must expect a hostile reception from all sections of the public and must be prepared to be assaulted, stoned
or stabbed in the course of your duties.
Reprinted from American Police Beat: March/April 2014
*You must be between 23 and 40 years of age.
*You will be paid the following rates:
CONSTABLE: 17s (shillings) per week (2014 equivalent is $109.52)
SERGEANT: 1.1ps (pounds sterling) per week (2014 equivalent is $141.74)
SUPERINTENDENT: 3.10ps per week (2014 equivalent is $399.41)
CHIEF CONSTABLE: 13.10ps per week (2014 equivalent is $1,698.34)
*Your working hours will be 8, 10 or 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week. Every encouragement will be given to officers to grow beards as shaving is regarded as unhealthy. However, beards must not exceed 2 inches in length.
*Uniform will be worn all the time, to prevent accusations of spying on the public, whilst in ordinary clothes.
*A duty band will be worn to indicate whether you are on-duty or not.
*You are NOT allowed to vote in elections.
*You must not gossip with the public. In particular, avoid conversations with female servants or other women on
duty. Do not walk or converse with your comrades, merely exchange a word and pass on.
*You will walk about 20 miles per shift.
*No rest days are allowed and only one week holiday per annum (year) unpaid.
*No meal breaks are allowed. The top hat may be used to hold a snack. You must inform the Superintendent
before you associate, eat or drink with any civilians.
*Before attending for medical examination and interview to join the police, it is advisable to have a bath.
*You are NOT allowed to sit down in public houses at any time.
*You must expect a hostile reception from all sections of the public and must be prepared to be assaulted, stoned
or stabbed in the course of your duties.
Reprinted from American Police Beat: March/April 2014
History of The Allentown Police Patch
Municipal Coat of Arms
The Municipal Coat-of-Arms for the City of Allentown was adopted on October 7, 1916. It was amended by City Council for better clarification on October 9, 1956.
The EAGLE (grayish brown) represents the Nation occupying position as if in support of the KEYSTONE (white), Pennsylvania's emblem.
The BLOOD RED HEART, Allentown's specific insignia in the center of the Keystone and expressive of everything that pulsates from the human down, and of everything where growth, power of action is centered and a heart-felt feeling for all mankind.
The OAK (reddish brown and green)to the left of the keystone-indicative of strength and durability.
The LAUREL (green) at the base of the keystone-emblematic of victory and success.
The Municipal Coat-of-Arms for the City of Allentown was adopted on October 7, 1916. It was amended by City Council for better clarification on October 9, 1956.
The EAGLE (grayish brown) represents the Nation occupying position as if in support of the KEYSTONE (white), Pennsylvania's emblem.
The BLOOD RED HEART, Allentown's specific insignia in the center of the Keystone and expressive of everything that pulsates from the human down, and of everything where growth, power of action is centered and a heart-felt feeling for all mankind.
The OAK (reddish brown and green)to the left of the keystone-indicative of strength and durability.
The LAUREL (green) at the base of the keystone-emblematic of victory and success.
History of the Allentown Police Department
This report on the history of the Allentown Police Department will also include information from the 18th and 19th centuries for the purpose of establishing some background to that period prior to the inception of the Allentown Police Department.
1762
Allentown was founded as a town known then as Northamptontown. It consisted of an area of 42 blocks.
1776
350 inhabitants lived in the area later to become Allentown. At this time there were 6 taverns doing business and also one constable who handled the troubles of the day.
1811
March 18th, Northampton Borough was incorporated. It was called Northampton after the county. The Burgess was Peter Rhoads and the High Constable was John F. Ruhe Jr.
1812
Lehigh County was created by the Assembly in March of this year. There was agitation at that time to change the name to Allen's Town or Allentown.
1813
Construction of the first jail was completed.
1817
Lehigh County Court House was built on the northwest corner of 5th and Hamilton Streets. Construction was completed in August of this year.
1819
Justices of the Peace were appointed by the Governor and consisted of a competent number in convenient districts. Constables were elected for the first time during this year. If elected the person had to serve or be penalized. The penalty was to serve one year minimum imprisonment but, not more than 3 years of a 6 year term. Only eligible's must be freeholders with property clear of any encumbrance with a value of $1,000 or a bond in like amount. The bond is to benefit all persons who may sustain injury from him in his official capacity by reason of neglect of duty or abuse of power.
1838
In April the name was officially changed from Northampton to Allentown.
1848
The population at this time was 3,500 and there were 619 houses.
1854
The first regular policeman was appointed this year and his name was Jacob Ehrig. The High Constable was William Horn who was also appointed.
1860
The population reached the 8,000 figure.
1866
4 Constables served the area at this time.
1867
Allentown was incorporated as a City on March 12th. The first Mayor was Samuel McHose and he named Jacob M. Ruhe as High Constable with a 16 man constabulary. There was 13 regulars and 3 specials.
1868
On May 21st the first public transportation appeared. This was a horse car line.
1869
The Lehigh County Prison was built on its present location at 4th and Linden Streets. Emanuel Huffort was High Constable and had 15 men.
1871
William H. Kleckner was High Constable and had 15 men. One of these men was Samuel Goebel the Great Grandfather of a future Chief of Police Carson S. Gable and the father of John Goebel who was a policeman under the administration of Chief Milton H. Bernard in 1912 and 1916.
1874
William H. Hilyard, High Constable with 11 Constables.
1875
The title of Chief Law Enforcement Officer was changed to Chief of Police and Daniel S. Gift was so appointed. He had 8 men serving under him and also 12 special police.
1878
Tilghman Good, Chief of Police with 8 policemen.
1880
Tilghman Good, Chief of Police with 12 men and 1 special policemen.
1884
Preston J. Baker, Chief of Police with 11 men and 6 specials.
1886
James W. Craden, Chief of Police with 9 men.
1888
Newton H. Bieber and William W. Heberling both served as Chief of Police during this period and there were 12 policemen under their command.
1890
Daniel S. Gift, Chief of Police with 10 men.
1893
William D. Mickley, Chief of Police with 13 men.
1896
Patrick Herrity, Chief of Police with 11 men.
1899
Patrick McGee, Chief of Police with 1 sergeant, 1 ambulance driver, 1 elevator operator and 18 policemen. It was this year when the Allentown General Hospital started their own ambulance service. G. Henry Frick who served as an Allentown Policeman from 1893 to 1899 had the Frick Boat Club which is located on the Lehigh River named in his honor.
1902
Harry H. Eastman, Chief of Police with 1 sergeant, 1 elevator operator and 16 men.
1905
George Smith, William F. Bowen and Milton Schadt each served as a Chief of Police until the 1908 administration. They had 4 sergeants. and 29 men under their command.
1908
Herman Benning and William A. Hersh both served as Chief of Police during this year and the had 2 sergeants, 1 ambulance driver, 1 janitor and 27 men.
1909
Charles D. Rhoads, Chief of Police with 2 sergeants, 1 ambulance driver, 1 janitor, 1 elevator operator and 40 policemen.
1911
The identification unit was formed this year.
1912
Milton H. Bernard, Chief of Police with 3 sergeants, 1 ambulance driver and 61 policemen.
1916
Milton H Bernard, Chief of Police with 4 sergeants, 1 detective, 1 ambulance driver and 55 men.
1920
Milton H Bernard. Chief of Police with 2 captains, 1 detective, 3 sergeants, 1 ambulance driver, 1 turnkey for the cell block and 55 men.
1924
Milton H. Bernard, Chief of Police with 3 captains, 2 detectives, 3 sergeants and 72 policemen.
1928
Milton H. Bernard, Chief of Police served the longest tenure as Chief totaling 20 years in office. During this last term saw the advent of the position of Assistant Chief. He also had 3 captains, 2 detectives, 4 desk sergeants, 2 street sergeants, 1 traffic sergeant and 89 men.
1932
During the next 4 years there wasn't anyone designated as Chief. Rather there was a Commissioner, who was Frank Beary and a position titled Superintendent who was Patrick Herrity. The police department consisted of 5 captains, 2 detectives, 8 sergeants and 93 men. This was also the beginning of the use of patrol cars after 20 years of having bicycles on patrol.
1936
Clarence R. Mensinger, Chief of Police with 4 captains, 2 detectives, 6 sergeants and 82 men. A more complete breakdown shows the staffing pattern as having the following: sergeants equally divided as Street Sergeants and Desk Sergeants, a Chief Clerk, Fingerprint Expert, 17 men designated as cruiser car officers, 4 men assigned to motorcycles solo for traffic duties and 9 men as motorcycle duty for emergencies. There were 4 traffic checkers, 8 traffic patrolmen, 2 traffic utility officers, 33 patrolmen, 1 officer in the Juvenile Delinquency Bureau, 3 clerks, a police chauffeur and 2 P.B.X. operators. It was during this year that the two way radio appeared in use for the policemen.
1940
Arthur V. Yohe, Chief of Police with 2 captains, 2 detectives, 7 sergeants and 83 men.
1944
Wayne Elliot, Chief of Police with 5 captains, 3 detectives, 10 sergeants and 103 men.
1946
The Honorable Mayor Donald V. Hock set a precedent in the Allentown Police Department by establishing the Juvenile Bureau. Even though there was an officer assigned to the Juvenile Delinquency Bureau back in 1936 there never had been an official designation of such a position. Eugene McCarron was appointed as a Juvenile Officer. After a few years the work load required 2 more men be assigned to this division.
1948
James L. Christine, Chief of Police with 5 captains, 6 detectives, 4 lietenants, 9 sergeants and 105 men.
1952
Anthony L. Reilly, Chief of Police had 6 captains, 9 lieutenants, 7 detectives and 10 sergeants.
1956
James L. Christine, Chief of Police and for the first time position of Inspector was created. There was 5 captains, 1 chief clerk, 6 detectives, 9 lieutenants and 13 sergeants. During this year Meter Maids and School Crossing Guards appeared on the scene.
1960
Walter C. Wickert served as Chief of Police for 21 months.
1961
Gerald M. Monahan appointed September 10th and served the 2nd longest term as Chief of Police being in office until 1970.
1970
Ralph T. Kressley served as Chief of Police for 7 months.
1970
Carson S. Gable began as Chief of Police on August 1st and the department strength was 175 men.
1973
This year there was a return of the mounted policeman in the city. They are used primarily in the parkway system.
1976
As of July 1st of this year the department strength will be reduced to 163 men.
1978
Carson S. Gable left as Chief of Police and Charles Charles served as Acting Chief of Police until May 1, 1978 when Arthur A. Allender was named Chief of Police.
1980
The Police Ambulance was transferred to the Allentown Fire Department. The Police department still had a back up ambulance.
1981
To date there are 152 police positions (4 women).
1982
Carson S. Gable returned as Chief of Police once again.
1987
David Howells Sr. was Chief of Police.
1992
Wayne Stephens was Chief of Police
1994
John Stefanic was Chief of Police
1996
Gerald Monahan Jr was Chief of Police
1998
Carl Held was Chief of Police
2002
Stephen Kuhn was Chief of Police
2004
Joseph Blackburn was Chief of Police.
2006
Roger J. Maclean was named Chief of Police. The department had 2 Assistant Chiefs, 1 Chief of Investigations, 5 captains, 5 lieutenants, 28 sergeants and 200 policemen. The department consisted of Uniform Services-Patrol Emergency Response Team and Specialized Uniform Services. The Investigative Services are Detective Bureau, Vice and Intelligence Unit, Community and Youth Services Unit, Identification Unit and Warrants Unit. Special Services are Communication and Technology Services, Emergency Medical Services, Budget and Procurement and Police Training/Academy. Support Services include Records Unit and Fleet Management. Management Services are Office of Professional Standards, Accreditation Unit, Evidence and Property Unit, Crime Prevention Unit and the Police athletic League. Note that the Detective Bureau includes a Special Victims Unit. Community and Youth Services includes a School Resource Officers unit. Communications and Technology Services includes the Communications Center, Radio Services and Telephone Services.
2013
Joseph Hanna was named Chief of Police. On December 20, 2013 Joel Fitzgerald became Chief of Police.
2015
Keith Morris was named Interim Police Chief.
2016
Morris was named Police Chief
1762
Allentown was founded as a town known then as Northamptontown. It consisted of an area of 42 blocks.
1776
350 inhabitants lived in the area later to become Allentown. At this time there were 6 taverns doing business and also one constable who handled the troubles of the day.
1811
March 18th, Northampton Borough was incorporated. It was called Northampton after the county. The Burgess was Peter Rhoads and the High Constable was John F. Ruhe Jr.
1812
Lehigh County was created by the Assembly in March of this year. There was agitation at that time to change the name to Allen's Town or Allentown.
1813
Construction of the first jail was completed.
1817
Lehigh County Court House was built on the northwest corner of 5th and Hamilton Streets. Construction was completed in August of this year.
1819
Justices of the Peace were appointed by the Governor and consisted of a competent number in convenient districts. Constables were elected for the first time during this year. If elected the person had to serve or be penalized. The penalty was to serve one year minimum imprisonment but, not more than 3 years of a 6 year term. Only eligible's must be freeholders with property clear of any encumbrance with a value of $1,000 or a bond in like amount. The bond is to benefit all persons who may sustain injury from him in his official capacity by reason of neglect of duty or abuse of power.
1838
In April the name was officially changed from Northampton to Allentown.
1848
The population at this time was 3,500 and there were 619 houses.
1854
The first regular policeman was appointed this year and his name was Jacob Ehrig. The High Constable was William Horn who was also appointed.
1860
The population reached the 8,000 figure.
1866
4 Constables served the area at this time.
1867
Allentown was incorporated as a City on March 12th. The first Mayor was Samuel McHose and he named Jacob M. Ruhe as High Constable with a 16 man constabulary. There was 13 regulars and 3 specials.
1868
On May 21st the first public transportation appeared. This was a horse car line.
1869
The Lehigh County Prison was built on its present location at 4th and Linden Streets. Emanuel Huffort was High Constable and had 15 men.
1871
William H. Kleckner was High Constable and had 15 men. One of these men was Samuel Goebel the Great Grandfather of a future Chief of Police Carson S. Gable and the father of John Goebel who was a policeman under the administration of Chief Milton H. Bernard in 1912 and 1916.
1874
William H. Hilyard, High Constable with 11 Constables.
1875
The title of Chief Law Enforcement Officer was changed to Chief of Police and Daniel S. Gift was so appointed. He had 8 men serving under him and also 12 special police.
1878
Tilghman Good, Chief of Police with 8 policemen.
1880
Tilghman Good, Chief of Police with 12 men and 1 special policemen.
1884
Preston J. Baker, Chief of Police with 11 men and 6 specials.
1886
James W. Craden, Chief of Police with 9 men.
1888
Newton H. Bieber and William W. Heberling both served as Chief of Police during this period and there were 12 policemen under their command.
1890
Daniel S. Gift, Chief of Police with 10 men.
1893
William D. Mickley, Chief of Police with 13 men.
1896
Patrick Herrity, Chief of Police with 11 men.
1899
Patrick McGee, Chief of Police with 1 sergeant, 1 ambulance driver, 1 elevator operator and 18 policemen. It was this year when the Allentown General Hospital started their own ambulance service. G. Henry Frick who served as an Allentown Policeman from 1893 to 1899 had the Frick Boat Club which is located on the Lehigh River named in his honor.
1902
Harry H. Eastman, Chief of Police with 1 sergeant, 1 elevator operator and 16 men.
1905
George Smith, William F. Bowen and Milton Schadt each served as a Chief of Police until the 1908 administration. They had 4 sergeants. and 29 men under their command.
1908
Herman Benning and William A. Hersh both served as Chief of Police during this year and the had 2 sergeants, 1 ambulance driver, 1 janitor and 27 men.
1909
Charles D. Rhoads, Chief of Police with 2 sergeants, 1 ambulance driver, 1 janitor, 1 elevator operator and 40 policemen.
1911
The identification unit was formed this year.
1912
Milton H. Bernard, Chief of Police with 3 sergeants, 1 ambulance driver and 61 policemen.
1916
Milton H Bernard, Chief of Police with 4 sergeants, 1 detective, 1 ambulance driver and 55 men.
1920
Milton H Bernard. Chief of Police with 2 captains, 1 detective, 3 sergeants, 1 ambulance driver, 1 turnkey for the cell block and 55 men.
1924
Milton H. Bernard, Chief of Police with 3 captains, 2 detectives, 3 sergeants and 72 policemen.
1928
Milton H. Bernard, Chief of Police served the longest tenure as Chief totaling 20 years in office. During this last term saw the advent of the position of Assistant Chief. He also had 3 captains, 2 detectives, 4 desk sergeants, 2 street sergeants, 1 traffic sergeant and 89 men.
1932
During the next 4 years there wasn't anyone designated as Chief. Rather there was a Commissioner, who was Frank Beary and a position titled Superintendent who was Patrick Herrity. The police department consisted of 5 captains, 2 detectives, 8 sergeants and 93 men. This was also the beginning of the use of patrol cars after 20 years of having bicycles on patrol.
1936
Clarence R. Mensinger, Chief of Police with 4 captains, 2 detectives, 6 sergeants and 82 men. A more complete breakdown shows the staffing pattern as having the following: sergeants equally divided as Street Sergeants and Desk Sergeants, a Chief Clerk, Fingerprint Expert, 17 men designated as cruiser car officers, 4 men assigned to motorcycles solo for traffic duties and 9 men as motorcycle duty for emergencies. There were 4 traffic checkers, 8 traffic patrolmen, 2 traffic utility officers, 33 patrolmen, 1 officer in the Juvenile Delinquency Bureau, 3 clerks, a police chauffeur and 2 P.B.X. operators. It was during this year that the two way radio appeared in use for the policemen.
1940
Arthur V. Yohe, Chief of Police with 2 captains, 2 detectives, 7 sergeants and 83 men.
1944
Wayne Elliot, Chief of Police with 5 captains, 3 detectives, 10 sergeants and 103 men.
1946
The Honorable Mayor Donald V. Hock set a precedent in the Allentown Police Department by establishing the Juvenile Bureau. Even though there was an officer assigned to the Juvenile Delinquency Bureau back in 1936 there never had been an official designation of such a position. Eugene McCarron was appointed as a Juvenile Officer. After a few years the work load required 2 more men be assigned to this division.
1948
James L. Christine, Chief of Police with 5 captains, 6 detectives, 4 lietenants, 9 sergeants and 105 men.
1952
Anthony L. Reilly, Chief of Police had 6 captains, 9 lieutenants, 7 detectives and 10 sergeants.
1956
James L. Christine, Chief of Police and for the first time position of Inspector was created. There was 5 captains, 1 chief clerk, 6 detectives, 9 lieutenants and 13 sergeants. During this year Meter Maids and School Crossing Guards appeared on the scene.
1960
Walter C. Wickert served as Chief of Police for 21 months.
1961
Gerald M. Monahan appointed September 10th and served the 2nd longest term as Chief of Police being in office until 1970.
1970
Ralph T. Kressley served as Chief of Police for 7 months.
1970
Carson S. Gable began as Chief of Police on August 1st and the department strength was 175 men.
1973
This year there was a return of the mounted policeman in the city. They are used primarily in the parkway system.
1976
As of July 1st of this year the department strength will be reduced to 163 men.
1978
Carson S. Gable left as Chief of Police and Charles Charles served as Acting Chief of Police until May 1, 1978 when Arthur A. Allender was named Chief of Police.
1980
The Police Ambulance was transferred to the Allentown Fire Department. The Police department still had a back up ambulance.
1981
To date there are 152 police positions (4 women).
1982
Carson S. Gable returned as Chief of Police once again.
1987
David Howells Sr. was Chief of Police.
1992
Wayne Stephens was Chief of Police
1994
John Stefanic was Chief of Police
1996
Gerald Monahan Jr was Chief of Police
1998
Carl Held was Chief of Police
2002
Stephen Kuhn was Chief of Police
2004
Joseph Blackburn was Chief of Police.
2006
Roger J. Maclean was named Chief of Police. The department had 2 Assistant Chiefs, 1 Chief of Investigations, 5 captains, 5 lieutenants, 28 sergeants and 200 policemen. The department consisted of Uniform Services-Patrol Emergency Response Team and Specialized Uniform Services. The Investigative Services are Detective Bureau, Vice and Intelligence Unit, Community and Youth Services Unit, Identification Unit and Warrants Unit. Special Services are Communication and Technology Services, Emergency Medical Services, Budget and Procurement and Police Training/Academy. Support Services include Records Unit and Fleet Management. Management Services are Office of Professional Standards, Accreditation Unit, Evidence and Property Unit, Crime Prevention Unit and the Police athletic League. Note that the Detective Bureau includes a Special Victims Unit. Community and Youth Services includes a School Resource Officers unit. Communications and Technology Services includes the Communications Center, Radio Services and Telephone Services.
2013
Joseph Hanna was named Chief of Police. On December 20, 2013 Joel Fitzgerald became Chief of Police.
2015
Keith Morris was named Interim Police Chief.
2016
Morris was named Police Chief