To keep control of their growing wild side, Pensacola citizens needed a new type of police force. Challenges such as the invention of the automobile and telephone were producing a new type of criminal that needed a more responsive and mobile police officer. But the progression from a small rural department to a modern law enforcement agency was a painful step for the growing port city.
One of the incremental steps occurred on March 17, 1885 when officers were given uniforms that consisted of a wool double-breasted coat with buttons, a vest, hat, belt, and a badge. The officer also received a "club" not only for his own protection but also used occasionally for the issuance of street justice when needed (illegal now). In addition to the officers, steps were taken to improve the treatment of inmates. For instance, on April 20, 1885, a resolution that inmates who worked would be allowed three meals a day rather than the normal two.
But in addition to changes of apparel and equipment there were also new rules of professionalism for all officers. Rules such as:
1. Officers could not sit down while on duty.
2. Officers could not drink "spirituous liquor" in the police station.
3. Officers had to be able to read and write in English
4. Officer could never have been indicted and convicted of a crime
5. Officer were to be of physical health and vigor, of good moral character, and of unquestionable energy.
6. The more intelligent officers were stationed on the main streets.
7. An officer could not use his club or pistol except when he was protecting his life or if someone showed resistance.
8. An officer could not leave his beat unless he was taking a suspect to the police station or for an emergency.
9. Officers could not visit bar rooms while on or off duty.
10. An officer could not be absent for roll call more than three times a month.
By 1887, additional officers had been added to the force that was located at their headquarters located on Main Street between Tarragona and Jefferson. But by 1892, the police department had outgrown its walls and had moved into a new headquarters located to the southwest corner of Jefferson and Zarragoza streets across the street from the county courthouse and jail. While their new headquarters was in the making, the city fathers also turned their attention to the welfare of the individual police officer. All officers were issued a police whistle to be used in the case of emergencies or for requesting assistance. When an officer heard that whistle, they immediately responded at a fast run. But on April 1, 1896, City Marshal Edward A. Wallace complained that new, louder whistles were needed, because the current ones could not be heard more than a half block away. He won his argument and the department received louder whistles for every officer.
(to be continued in Part II)
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