Manchester Police Dept history

In 1897 the Manchester by-the-Sea Police Department was reorganized by the Town Meeting, and became full-time.

For MPD officers working the night shift back in 1898, "It is the custom here for each officer to carry on his hip a wee bit of candle to which he strikes a match whenever it is necessary to have a little light on a given subject.

MPD's first bicycle squad was organized in May of 1899.

Around 1900 the department took over a small building next to Town Hall originally constructed as a fire station and known as Seaside One.

The first speeding violation in Manchester by-the-Sea was recorded on May 6, 1901.

In 1902 the Town Meeting appropriated funds for the purchase of a $650 Abbot-Dowing horse-drawn ambulance.

MPD's first assigned canine unit was "Teddy," a speedy bull terrier whose first takedown was-- a thieving newsboy -- came on July 6, 1905.

In 1916 the police department acquired its first of motorcycle.

He joined the department on June 19, 1919, and by way of qualifications, Chief Michael Healy said, "he expected Nick to make a good officer as he is an expert wrestler and boxer and is well known to the Greek residents of Manchester.

However, a breakthrough occurred in 1921 when Clara Walkden of Oldham Borough Police became the first known sworn-in Police Woman Constable in the Greater Manchester area.

MPD Headquarters in 1932

The report was acted upon in early 1940, and the first six policewomen Constables for Manchester were: Edith Lucy Whalley, Emma Jane Ball, Janet Ida Marshall, Alice Vera Vernon, Mary Laurie and Jean L. Stewart.

In 1941 the first police radio system was installed in the station and patrol cars.

On January 29, 1960, the West Manchester Township Supervisors received a petition signed by 56 Township residents requesting they consider forming a full-time police department.

In January 1965, the township passed an ordinance to create a full time police department.

Edward Lawler, also previously employed as a part time special police officer, was appointed as a full time police officer as well. It was later relocated to the current location of the Manchester Township Municipal Building when it opened in 1967.

On April 16, 1970, the Manchester Township police patch was adopted to symbolize what each officer serving the department should represent.

In 1973 the first shoulder emblem was added to the police uniform.

The uniform the women wore at the time was not the most practical – in 1974 the familiar white topped cap, known as the “hostess” style was introduced, complete with a tunic without pockets.

The next major change that really affected the role of women in the police was the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act which abolished the separate Policewomen’s Departments in forces, harmonised pay scales and opened up all aspects of police work to women.

MPD Headquarters built in 1976

Nationally, 1987 saw the foundation of the British Association for Women in Policing.

Since Chief Payne’s retirement in September of 1995, the following Manchester Township Police Officers have served as Police Chiefs for the department: Chief Thomas S. McCallum, Chief Wayne B. MacGregor, Chief William C. Brase and Chief Brian J. Klimakowski.

In the summer of 2009 a Manchester Police Historical Committee was formed in order to explore and preserve the great history of the city’s police department.

MPD Headquarters built in 2013