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.