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Traffic cop salutes a citizen while wearing his white gloves. Photo courtesy of the
Milwaukee Police Historical Society
Milwaukee Police Historical Society
Another traffic cop keeps the intersection moving. Photo courtesy of the
Milwaukee Police Historical Society
Milwaukee Police Historical Society
The roaring 1920's brought a number of firsts within the ranks of the Milwaukee Police Department. 1922 saw the hiring of the first
Policewomen. These officers were not deployed like regular officers, but were used in areas of women's welfare and issues involving children.
They were not assigned normal uniformed patrol duties. On October 13, 1924, Judson Walter Minor Jr. became the first African-American officer
on the Milwaukee Police Department. The department also expanded to its current seven districts. District Six (1927) and District Seven (1928)
were both added to handle the cities growing population.
Policewomen. These officers were not deployed like regular officers, but were used in areas of women's welfare and issues involving children.
They were not assigned normal uniformed patrol duties. On October 13, 1924, Judson Walter Minor Jr. became the first African-American officer
on the Milwaukee Police Department. The department also expanded to its current seven districts. District Six (1927) and District Seven (1928)
were both added to handle the cities growing population.
1927 Hometown aviation hero Lester J. Maitland
receives a hero's welcome from police captain.
Milwaukee's first lake front airport was named after
him (now the Summerfest Grounds).
receives a hero's welcome from police captain.
Milwaukee's first lake front airport was named after
him (now the Summerfest Grounds).
1922 A portrait of Second District
Patrolman Warren P. Fidlin
Patrolman Warren P. Fidlin
1926 Photo of the training school. Milwaukee had the first formal police training
school in the country which began in 1923. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society
school in the country which began in 1923. Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society
1924 Judson Minor Jr. became the first
African-American Patrolman on the
Milwaukee Police Department assigned
to the First District.
African-American Patrolman on the
Milwaukee Police Department assigned
to the First District.
1928 The Milwaukee Police Department adds the Tommy Gun to their
arsenal. The photo above shows Patrolmen practicing at the old Milwaukee
Gun Club located on Milwaukee's lakefront. Photos courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical
Society
arsenal. The photo above shows Patrolmen practicing at the old Milwaukee
Gun Club located on Milwaukee's lakefront. Photos courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical
Society
1920's Traffic officer ever diligent as a couple of flappers cross
the street behind him.
the street behind him.
1924 A patrolman swings traffic as a bridge over the
Milwaukee River is raised on Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee River is raised on Wisconsin Ave.
1924 Patrolmen were called in to assist a downtown bank moving 15
million dollars from one location to another.
million dollars from one location to another.
1925 Headlines report the slaying of Detective Harry Schmidt feet from
the Central Station. The above photo is a recreation of the attack.
the Central Station. The above photo is a recreation of the attack.
1923 A beat copper in his rain gear stands watch over a crowd outside of
Schultz's Pharmacy on Milwaukee's south side.
Schultz's Pharmacy on Milwaukee's south side.
1925 A patrolman stands watch over a crowd gathered in front of
Klitsner Brothers store during a bankruptcy sale. Common place
during these poor economic times.
Klitsner Brothers store during a bankruptcy sale. Common place
during these poor economic times.
1922 Traffic cop talks to a citizen on North Sixth
Street at Wisconsin Avenue.
Street at Wisconsin Avenue.
1928 Swinging traffic at a downtown construction site.
A copper takes apart a still located during a 1920's liquor raid.
1920
1929
1926 Beat officer stands watch over a downtown crowd on North Third
and Grand Avenue.
and Grand Avenue.
1928 A street car passes close to a traffic officer on West
Fond du lac Avenue and West North Avenue.
Fond du lac Avenue and West North Avenue.
1926 Officers pose at the front desk of the Traffic Bureau. (Photo
courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
1925 Uniform of a Patrol Lieutenant.
(Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
(Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
Officers gather on their vehicles outside of the Central Station. (Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
1926 Officers pose at the Departments annual police picnic. (Photo courtesy of the
Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
1921 Detectives pose outside of the Central Station House for a photo. (Photo courtesy of the
Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
1920's marijuana grow bust. (Photos courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society)