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
1867
  • Ordinance adopted to pay Constable $3.00 per day for the performance of duties
1870
  • 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
1872
  • 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.
1882
  • Pay increased for Policeman by $5.00 per month for the added responsibility of caring for 15 fuel burning lamps.
1898
  • Established Policeman as Town Marshall with pay of $60.00/month and others at $1.33 per day.
1909
  • Additional day Policeman/Fire Marshall hired at $50.00/month to assist Town Marshall.
1916
  • Town Board establishes a third salaried employee called a Special Policeman and paid $125.00/month
1926
  • Motorcycle Policeman appointed at a salary of $90.00/month when employed.
1927
  • Additional Special Policeman hired, now referred to as Patrolman, working nights
1928
  • Town Marshall also assigned as Fire Marshall; 3 patrolmen assigned supplemental duties operating fire equipment.
  • Motorcycle Policeman assigned to a car.
1929
  • Position of Desk Sergeant added – Department now at 6 employees.
1933
  • Police Matron is appointed at 40¢/hour or minimum fee for each service at $2.00.
1937
  • Installation of the first police radio communication system.
1939
  • Policemen Charter under the Police Benevolent & Protection Association as Unit #22
1941
  • Town Marshall is now referred to as Chief of Police with a salary of $1,800.00 per year
1945
  • Town establishes for wages, salaries, hours of work, vacation and sick time
1947
  • Police pension system established with the Board
1949
  • Police force comprised of 9 policemen, including Chief of Police
1965
  • Police force comprised of 16 policemen, including Chief of Police
1969

  • Police force comprised of 31 policemen, including Chief of Police
1972
  • Rank of Corporal and Sergeant changed to Sergeant and Lieutenant, respectively.
1977
  • Patrol cars fleet changed to black and white vehicles
1978
  • Traffic Unit implemented within the Department
1983
  • First full-time female officer hired
1984
  • Party Patrol Shift, comprised of 4 patrol officers and 1 Sergeant, implemented concentrating on alcohol violations
1987
  • Police Union is recognized by the Town and first contract ratified
1989
  • Department implements Bicycle Patrol concentrating efforts on the Constitution Trail
1990
  • Department comprised of Chief, 2 Assistant Chiefs, 4 Lieutenants, 6 Sergeants and 34 patrol officers (47 total sworn)
1993
  • Department moved into new building adjacent to City Hall
1994
  • 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
1995
  • Department conducts the first Citizen Police Academy
1996
  • Pro-Active Crimes Unit established in cooperation with the Bloomington Police Department
1997
  • Emergency Response Unit (ERU) implemented as an 8-member team
1999
  • Vice Unit established with 2 members
2001
  • Summer Youth Program created, 19 youth participants
2008
  • Youth Intervention Program begins through funding from State Farm Insurance.
2011
  • Department consists of 78 total sworn and 26 civilians following positions - totaling 104 employees.
2014
  • Department consists of 81 total sworn and 26 civilians following positions - totaling 107 employees.