TRENTON POLICE MUSEUM
1900 - 1919
Historic Synopsis
1900’s
From the start of the 1900's Trenton began to develop its infra-structure. Roads were re-paved in cobblestone, crushed stone or macadam. Gas lamps were being replaced with safer electric ones and the sewer system was receiving major upgrades. Industry in Trenton was strong and production of pottery, rubber and steel were on the rise and unemployment was only for the malingerers. Adding to the success of Industry was the Delaware River, a large canal system and a well established rail system, making transportation of goods simple. The trolley car system was expanding, as was ferry boat service between Philadelphia and the rail system from New York City terminated in Trenton. In short, Trenton was a desirable place to live and work and the population grew. Unfortunately, the benefits of the economic boom, ease of travel to Trenton and its central location between New York and Philadelphia also brought with it an unwelcome element. Incidents of Confidence men and women (con-men & women), sneak thievery (shoplifting) and hoboes (freight car riding transients) were on the rise. Apprehension of such criminals while still difficult was made easier through the upgrading of "Call Boxes" from telegraphs to telephones. Communications between the precinct and the beat officers could now be done in plain language, not code.
Another type of incident on the rise were "Traffic Accidents". The mix of trolleys, bicycles, automobiles, horse-drawn wagons and pedestrians made for hazardous conditions. Reading the reporting of such incidents now, almost 100 years later, can be quite humorous. While the people of Trenton were all for the new modes of transportation, the horses were ill prepared. Startled easily by these wheeled vehicles, run-away teams of horses were common.
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| Evolution of a City |
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| 1903 |
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The Railroad depot was the a hub of activity, for rail was the preferred means of travel to New York City. The above picture is taken from the Railroad Depot on South Clinton Avenue, looking north toward East State Street. The church seen in the distance stands to this day, however the spire has since been removed.
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1910’s
The Trenton Police Department was recognized nationally for always being up-to-date both in technique and equipment. Under Chief Hiner a system of record keeping was initiated which was unparalleled and was examined by many Departments around the country. The 1910’s marked the increased public popularity in automobiles and Police Departments saw the need to be motorized. While "Motorized Patrol" was still decades away in Trenton, the use of automobiles to transport officers, prisoners and injured persons was becoming common. The use of automobiles by departments around the country led to the creation of the singularly most recognizable Police Department ever, the Keystone Cops. Though not completely accurate in their portrayal, there was one inescapable accuracy. The Patrol Cars required constant upkeep and pampering, but in the end frequently broke down.
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1910 MANPOWER
*Detectives held the rank of Sergeant.
| RANK |
# |
Annual Pay |
| Chief |
1 |
$2,400 |
| Captains |
2 |
$1,800 |
| Sergeants |
6 |
$1,300 |
| Detectives* |
2 |
$1,300 |
| Roundsmen |
4 |
Unknown |
| Patrol Drivers |
4 |
$950 |
| Patrolmen |
95 |
$950 |
| Non-officers |
6 |
N/A |
| TOTAL |
121 |
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