Department History
Historical MilesTones
1808
First Police Force Organized
1846
Major reorganization of the police force takes place. The “Department of Police” is established.
1861
A Police Board with members appointed by the Governor is established. The Board has control over the Department. As a result of this structure, 1861 is considered the start of the modern Saint Louis Police Department.
1866
The Department increases in size to 225 officers as the population of St. Louis grows to more than 200,000.
1867
First Mounted Patrol Unit is established.
1869
First Police School of Instruction begins in St. Louis.
1881
The first police telephone system was installed. This allowed officers in the districts to connect to each other and to headquarters.
1901
First African American Officers hired.
1903
First Police Car was manufactured by the Dorris Motor Car Company.
1923
Present Police Badge adopted.
1929
Current Police Headquarters building opened.
1960
Department reorganized into a nine-district/three-area structure.
1968
First air conditioned patrol cars.
1973
First female police commissioner serves on Board of Police Commissioners and first female officer promoted to rank of Sergeant.
1987
First female promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.
1991
First African-American Police Chief appointed.
1993
First Female promoted to rank of Captain.
2005
The Department unveils a 40,000 square foot laboratory with the latest technology in crime scene evidence analysis.
2009
First female promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Officer Memorial
Since 1863, 164 officers have lost their lives in service to the City of St. Louis. The Officer Memorial honors those who have given the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty.