TRENTON POLICE MUSEUM
1970's
Historic Synopsis
1970’s
With the start of the 1970’s the country saw a continuance of the racial violence which had plagued many urban cities in the 1960’s. Trenton too would witness riots, with the focal point of the disharmony centered in and around Trenton High school. Distrust of the establishment grew as the anti-war movement peeked and stories of Watergate surfaced. In California a series of gruesome murders were committed and the country was shocked when the details of these murders were learned during the trial of the Manson Family. America also witnessed the dangers of Atomic energy with the near catastrophe at Three Mile Island.
Through it all the Trenton Police Department continued to grow. In 1970, John R. Prihoda was promoted to Chief of Police. Few would have thought at the time that Chief Prihoda would hold the post a full 20 years. 1972 saw the end of the two precinct police department, when construction was finished on the current Police Headquarters. In the early 1970’s federal grants were received by Trenton to implement a "Safe Streets Program". The program called for a return to Foot Patrol, a method of patrol which had dwindled significantly in the previous years, and stimulated the hiring of large numbers of officers. As the economy declined, so did the grant money and the city was forced to lay-off Police Officers. All of the officers were eventually offered their positions back and most returned.
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Gallery
John R. Prihoda, sworn in as Chief |
October 9, 1970 |
John R. Prihoda takes his oath of office, while his son Ricky Prihoda holds the bible. Chief Prihoda held the title of Chief of Police for 20 years, until his retirement in 1990. |
First Precinct Officers |
1970 |
Lt. Dombrowski holds roll-call for officers from the First Precinct. |
Golf trophies |
early 1970's |
Pictured here, in the First Precinct building are (L-R) Officers Chick Lazzano & Rich Mount, Chief Prihoda, Officers Harold Hall & Len Dawrocki |
Times of Turmoil. |
early 1970's |
Sergeant Ernie Williams |
early 1970's |
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The "New" Police Headquarters |
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1972 |
In 1972, the department moved into the new Police Headquarters on North Clinton Avenue. The two precinct department which had operated for 84 years was now a thing of the past. |
Radio Room |
1972 |
Dispatching had now become a three person task. |
Leon Smith, promoted to Captain |
March 16, 1973 |
Captain Leon Smith receives his new badge from Chief Prihoda. Smith became the first African American superior officer when he was promoted to Sergeant. |
Director of Public Safety Awards |
January 23, 1975 |
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Bank Robbery Apprehension |
mid 1970's |
Officers inspect the evidence seized after the apprehension of two armed bank robbers. |
Bomb Squad |
April 22, 1978 |
Mayor Arthur Holland Chief Prihoda and Director Howard Waldon received a tour of the newly purchased bomb disposal truck. Also pictured are Bomb Squad members(L-R) Detectives Charles Betz (kneeling), Sgt. Charles Webster and Lt. Carl Warob. |
Police Motorcycle |
late 1970's |
Motorcycles were only used for special events by the mid 1970's. This Motorcycle is on display at the Trenton Police Museum. |
Not just a job,... |
late 1970's |
..But an adventure. Officer Don White apprehends a monkey which had escaped from the Monkey House in Cadwalader Park and found its way into a phone booth. |
Honor Guard |
late 1970's |
The Honor Guard parades past the New Jersey State House. Leading the way is Dominic Limone. |
In Memory
Patrolman George L. Ambrosio
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On December 8, 1979, Patrolman George L. Ambrosio, was struck and killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic at an earlier accident on the Trenton Freeway. As the result of the impact, Patrolman Ambrosio suffered massive injuries and died instantly.
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