History of the Danbury Police Department
Danbury was settled in the year 1684 by eight families. Arriving from Norwalk, these families constructed their dwellings and began to organize themselves.
Looking
back in time we can begin to see a very simple method of law
enforcement evolve. The colonists formed the "watch and
ward" as a means of providing some protection.
As
sunset fell upon the settlement the "watch" would begin
their rounds. Coming as a surprise to many, is the fact that the
main concern of the watch was to protect the public's property
against fire. At that time, fire was a bigger enemy to the towns
people than criminals. It should be noted however that anyone found
committing an offense between sunset and daybreak were placed under
arrest.
It
wasn't long before the stocks and whipping post were erected.
"Common criminals" were publicly displayed on the
"green", which was a kind of gathering place for the
townspeople.
In
Danbury, whippings were held well into the 1800's. Usually, and was
the cause in Danbury, the whipping was performed by the Deputy
Sheriffs. The main figure of the law, the constable, presided over
the affair.
Hanging
was another method in dealing with the criminal. In 1817, Amos Adam
of Danbury was taken from jail to be hung. He was marched to church,
given a sermon, and then taken to the gallows. Along the way, fife
and drum held the marchers in step. Adams was hung on what was
appropriately referred to as Gallows Hill (now Elm St.)
Danbury
erected its first courthouse and jail in 1785. Crimes occurring
during this period were primarily related to minor thefts,
drunkeness, and the violation of various Sabbath laws.
In
1822, the central part of town became a borough. As a result, more
services were granted to the population. In the years that followed,
street lighting was introduced and business grew. The structure of
law enforcement also improved.
Incorporated
a city in 1889, Danbury gave birth to a new form of government. L.
LeGrand Hopkins became the city's first mayor. The Common Council
was also created to help manage the city.
As
a result of this newly formed city government, the Danbury Police
Department came into being. Mayor Hopkins agreed to appoint Captain
Michael J. Keating, as the temporary head of the police department
until a successor was qualified and chosen.
The
Mayor and Council also appointed the following men to the previously
unheard of position of regular patrolman: Ptl. John Foley, Ptl.
Robert Brady, Ptl. Florence Sullivan, Ptl. P.F. Drumm, Ptl. Henry
Emil Dittmar, and Ptl. David W. Bradley (who was soon to become head
of the force). Today, the Danbury Police Department is a force of
nearly 150 officers and a number of civilian employees.