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Department History
1865
- Citizens vote in majority to incorporate Normal as a Town under the General Act
- William W. Ross elected by Town Board as first Corporation Constable
- Ordinance adopted to pay Constable $3.00 per day for the performance of duties
- Town Board appointed Policeman for the Normal University, on an as-needed basis
- Board appointed William W. Ross a Special Policeman at a salary of $60.00 per month
- Police hours set at 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. and salary set at $45.00 per month
- Temporary Special Policemen instituted with pay at $1.33 per day when called upon.
- Pay increased for Policeman by $5.00 per month for the added responsibility of caring for 15 fuel burning lamps.
- Established Policeman as Town Marshall with pay of $60.00/month and others at $1.33 per day.
- Additional day Policeman/Fire Marshall hired at $50.00/month to assist Town Marshall.
- Town Board establishes a third salaried employee called a Special Policeman and paid $125.00/month
- Motorcycle Policeman appointed at a salary of $90.00/month when employed.
- Additional Special Policeman hired, now referred to as Patrolman, working nights
- Town Marshall also assigned as Fire Marshall; 3 patrolmen assigned supplemental duties operating fire equipment.
- Motorcycle Policeman assigned to a car.
- Position of Desk Sergeant added – Department now at 6 employees.
- Police Matron is appointed at 40¢/hour or minimum fee for each service at $2.00.
- Installation of the first police radio communication system.
- Policemen Charter under the Police Benevolent & Protection Association as Unit #22
- Town Marshall is now referred to as Chief of Police with a salary of $1,800.00 per year
- Town establishes for wages, salaries, hours of work, vacation and sick time
- Police pension system established with the Board
1949
- Police force comprised of 9 policemen, including Chief of Police
- Police force comprised of 16 policemen, including Chief of Police
- Police force comprised of 31 policemen, including Chief of Police
- Rank of Corporal and Sergeant changed to Sergeant and Lieutenant, respectively.
- Patrol cars fleet changed to black and white vehicles
- Traffic Unit implemented within the Department
- First full-time female officer hired
- Party Patrol Shift, comprised of 4 patrol officers and 1 Sergeant, implemented concentrating on alcohol violations
- Police Union is recognized by the Town and first contract ratified
- Department implements Bicycle Patrol concentrating efforts on the Constitution Trail
- Department comprised of Chief, 2 Assistant Chiefs, 4 Lieutenants, 6 Sergeants and 34 patrol officers (47 total sworn)
- Department moved into new building adjacent to City Hall
- Department becomes Nationally Accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies
- K-9 Unit established, “Eros” trained as Department’s first canine
- Department conducts the first Citizen Police Academy
- Pro-Active Crimes Unit established in cooperation with the Bloomington Police Department
- Emergency Response Unit (ERU) implemented as an 8-member team
- Vice Unit established with 2 members
- Summer Youth Program created, 19 youth participants
- Youth Intervention Program begins through funding from State Farm Insurance.
- Department consists of 78 total sworn and 26 civilians following positions - totaling 104 employees.
- Department consists of 81 total sworn and 26 civilians following positions - totaling 107 employees.