Westminster Police Department history

A history of the department reports that it was "on May 20, 1850, Westminster's law enforcement title of Borough or Town Constable changed to 'City Bailiff,' with Mr.

Morey was hired by the Council for New Westminster on March 10, 1873.

In 1895 two Constables were elected, L.S. Miller and J.W. Towle acting on a part time basis and collecting a combined yearly salary of $14.00.

In 1910 the town was safeguarded by four constables, one who acted as the dog officer and special police officer.

6, 1920, to be precise — the Westminster Common Council approved the appointment of two additional "night patrolmen" to the ranks of the Westminster Police Department.

In 1922 Harold A. Towle was elected as Westminster's first single-acting Constable.

The records note that it was discussed during a May 1924 council meeting that "officers should be in uniform when on duty. … A uniform procurement order (came) on June 24, 1924.

The responsibilities of street commissioner and "police chief" were one and the same until May 1927.

Chief Raymond dispensed the first annual police chief report for the Town of Westminster in 1933.

In 1936 Hebert Battles became Chief of Police and also served as Constable, Truant Officer and Dog Officer.

In 1941 Harold Towle assumed the position of Chief and was succeeded by Peter V. Arcangeli a short time later.

However, it was not until 1946 that the designation "police chief" first appears in city records, and the city bailiff in 1946 earned between $132 and $140 per month.

Then in 1958 a telephone with an automatic answering system was installed in the home of Chief Tuominen.

In 1959 Chief Tuominen reported the year as the busiest year ever for the department.

Chief Toivo Tuominen retained the position until his retirement in July, 1970.

The title of Bailiff, referring to law enforcement officials, continued until 1979."

He touched countless lives and provided memories with many that will last a lifetime! In July 2018, after 35 years of serving his community, Chief Sam Albert retired.