Pittsburgh Police
History
On January 27, 1868 the dual system of day and night police was
abolished and the present system was created.

In 1868 the force was authorized not more than100 men, one as the
Chief of Police, one as captain, and not more than eight lieutenants.
On April 22, 1794 Pittsburgh was incorporated as a borough by an act
that provided for the election of two burgesses, a high constable and
a town clerk. The Bureau of Police can trace its roots to Samuel
Morrison, the first High Constable for the Borough of Pittsburgh.
March 18, 1816 Pittsburgh was formally incorporated as a city. The
change in city government gave the Mayor of Pittsburgh the authority
to appoint the high constable and four city constables.
These constables were to preserve the peace, arrest all disorderly
persons, and attend court, the market, and Councils. This was
daytime duty during which the constables were paid by the event
rather than by salary. The Mayor also had the authority to appoint a
night watch which consisted of a superintendent and twelve
watchmen. The duties of the watchmen included the care of the oil,
wick, and utensils belonging to the city and the prevention of
murders, robberies, and other disorders.
In April of 1817, due to financial difficulties caused by the
Depression, the night watch was discontinued. On March 26,1826 by
an act, the night watch was restored with one captain, two
lieutenants, and sixteen watchmen for the purpose of establishing a
system of police to secure the City's citizens and their property. The
constables continued to perform daylight duties on a non-salary basis.

In December 1857, an ordinance was adopted that established a
day-salaried police department consisting of one chief and not more
than nine constables.
Today, The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police has more than 900 sworn law
enforcement officers.

In 1915, Pittsburgh Police Officers Martin Toole and Delbert Nagle,
with the support of Mayor Joseph G. Armstrong, organized Fort Pitt
Lodge #1, the founding lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police.