Penn immediately set about to make friends with the Indian tribe living in the area, the Lenni Lenape, or the Delawares as they are now known. A treaty was sealed at Shackamaxon, a Delaware meeting ground along the shore of the Delaware River. Penn Treaty Park, now a part of the Fairmount Park system, now stands on these grounds. The treaty that Penn made with the Delawares is, to this day, the only one between the Native Americans and the European settlers to never be violated.

In 1683 the first German immigrants arrived here, founding the settlement of Germantown, which was is located approximately seven miles northwest of the settlement of Philadelphia.

The city and the port prospered, with the Quaker's reputation for tolerance attracting settlers of many nationalities and faiths. The first City Charter was granted in 1701. It was during this time that a method of citizen participation was established, known as "Town Watch". Today Citizens still volunteer their time to make their neighborhoods safer. There are Town Watches active in almost every neighborhood and Police District in the city, serving as eyes and ears for the Police Department.

By the 18th Century, Philadelphia was the largest city in the Colonies. Its leadership was evident by its many firsts. Philadelphia had the first bank, stock exchange, hospital, library, university, medical school, insurance company, street lighting, navy yard, mint, fire company, magazine, newspaper and steamboat in the American colonies, all before 1800. Many of these were the work of Benjamin Franklin, who came to Philadelphia in 1723, and went on to become its Elder Statesman and most prominent citizen.

Events which had a great impact on the American Revolution took place in and around Philadelphia. The Continental Congress met at Carpenter's Hall in 1774 and again in 1775. The Declaration of Independence was written and signed in Philadelphia in 1776, and the framework of our government, the Constitution, was adopted in Philadelphia in 1787. Both events took place in the old Pennsylvania State House, better known as Independence Hall. Philadelphia served as the Nation's Capitol from 1790 to 1800.

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives met in Congress Hall, while the U.S. Supreme Court sat in the old City Hall. Both buildings are connected to Independence Hall, and are an integral part of Independence National Historical Park.

The Liberty Bell, the symbol of America's Freedom, was ordered in 1751 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Pennsylvania. It arrived in Philadelphia in 1752, but it cracked during its testing. The bell was recast twice by the Pennsylvania firm of Pass and Stow, and was finally hung in the tower of the State House in 1753. Retained after the recasting was the inscription taken from Leviticus XXV, 10: "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All The Land Unto All The Inhabitants Thereof". This inscription would take on a greater significance as the history of our Country developed.

Over the years that followed, the Liberty Bell traveled all across the country. In 1917, following the 2nd Liberty Loan Drive parade in Philadelphia, the bell was returned to the ground floor of Independence Hall, in the Hall's Grand Stairwell. At the stroke of midnight January 1st, 1976, the Liberty Bell was moved; in a drenching, cold rain, to its new home, a pavilion on Independence Mall. On that cold, wet night, the Philadelphia Police Department stood proudly as part of the Liberty Bell's Guard of Honor.

In the spring of 2004, the National Park Service again moved the Liberty Bell into a new pavilion, located directly across the street from Independence Hall.

The Continental Army's winter encampment at Valley Forge, Washington's crossing of the Delaware on Christmas morning, the Battles of Germantown and Brandywine, and Betsy Ross' making of the first American flag were only a few of the important events which occurred in the Philadelphia area, and which shaped the future of these United States.

Mansions and houses dating back to 1684 dot the landscape of Fairmount Park, including Lemon Hill Mansion, built in 1770 by Robert Morris, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, financier of the American Revolution, and close friend of George Washington. Mount Pleasant Mansion was built in 1761 by Scottish Sea Captain John McPherson. John Adams was a frequent visitor. The mansion is a classic example of the Chippendale style in America. Mt. Pleasant Mansion was bought by Benedict Arnold as a wedding present for his wife Peggy Shippen, but he was convicted of treason before they could occupy it.

Philadelphia continued to be a "City of Firsts", with the first public water works and labor union. America's first zoo, the Philadelphia Zoological Garden, is an important part of Fairmount Park, which is the Nation's largest inner-city park system. Philadelphia's harbor is the largest fresh-water port in the world.

The 19th Century brought great growth and change to the city. It continued to be one of the Nation's foremost ports, as well as an industrial, commercial and cultural center. The City's industries were highly diversified, earning Philadelphia the title "Workshop of the World".

The 100th Anniversary of American Independence was celebrated by a six month Centennial Exposition, again held in Fairmount Park. Memorial Hall, built in 1876, is the only major building left standing from the Centennial Exposition. It now serves as the headquarters for the Fairmount Park Commission, as well as headquarters for the Police Department's Park and Accident Investigation Divisions.

Beginning in 1850, modern police history, as we know it, began with the appointment of a Police Marshal, who had control of not only the police in Philadelphia, but also over the outlying districts and communities. But things began to again change; on February 2nd, 1854 the Act of Consolidation was passed by the General Assembly. This Act created the City of Philadelphia of today, From a small city of roughly 360 acres, surrounded by 28 neighboring townships, Philadelphia grew to an area of over 83,000 acres, or from only 2 square miles to an area over 130 square miles. In 1855 a formal Police Department was formed under Chief of Police Samuel Ruggles.

A new building was needed to house the government of this great new city.  The present City Hall was built between 1871 and 1901, with Scottish designer John McArthur Jr. as chief architect. Thomas U. Walter, who had recently designed the dome of the United States Capitol, was hired as a consultant. The building design, in the Second Empire Mode of French Renaissance Revival style, was the subject of great controversy at the time. It has the distinction of being the Nation's largest municipal building, as well as the largest and tallest masonry building in the world.

The 37 foot, 27 ton bronze statue of William Penn atop City Hall tower is the largest statue atop a building in the world. City Hall has now been designated a National Historical Landmark.

City Hall is located on a five acre plot of land in the heart of Philadelphia's down-town area. City Hall's over 600 rooms house the various agencies and departments that make up the city government. Philadelphia's government is made up of three branches, two of which are housed in City Hall.

The Executive Branch; consists of the Office of the Mayor, and his appointed Deputies and Commissioners.

The Legislative Branch; consists of the City Council, which is made up of ten Councilpersons who are elected by the residents of their respective Council Districts, and seven At-Large Councilpersons, elected to office in a city-wide election.

The Judicial Branch; consists of the Municipal and Common Pleas Courts of the City and County of Philadelphia. The Judicial Branch is also made up of the Offices of the District Attorney and the Sheriff.

The Courts are located in the Criminal Justice Center built in 1995 and located across from City Hall. The Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also sits in the CJC when it is in session in Philadelphia.

In 1887, a new City Charter was passed, and an important change took place in the Philadelphia Police Department.

The Department of Public Safety was created, and the Bureau of Police was put under the Director of Public Safety. Up until this time, all patrols had been on foot, which created a problem as the City grew. In 1889, 93 horses were purchased, and the City has its first Mounted Patrol. The unit served the citizens well until it was disbanded in 1951.

The late nineteenth century brought new developments to policing. The Police Department installed telephone call boxes on street corners throughout the city for patrolmen to check in from their beat and for citizens to report crimes. Policemen patrolled the city on horses and wood-rimmed bicycles. Horse-drawn wagons transported criminals to police boats headed up the Delaware River to Holmesburg Prison, thus deriving the expression "up the river" for serving prison time. In 1876 the department hired its first black policemen, although assigned specifically to only black neighborhoods, and the first female officers were hired in 1886.

The Fairmount Park Guard continued to patrol until 1972, when the guard became a part of the Philadelphia Police Department, increasing the size of the Department by 500 officers, and giving Philadelphia its first Mounted Patrol in over 21 years.

Present Day Philadelphia is a metropolis of over six million people, with all of the energy, vitality, creativity, and problems inherent in any large, urban area in America. Fortunately, Philadelphian's have a spirit and determination that will not let them give into problems, nor give up on a city they love so much. Philadelphia is a "City of Neighborhoods", with very diverse ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds.

From the Italian Market to Chinatown, from the affluent neighborhoods of Chestnut Hill and Society Hill, to middle class Oak Lane, Roxborough, and Somerton, and to poorer neighborhoods of Kensington, Point Breeze and Mantua, there is a common bond that unites all of the residents of Philadelphia. It's their love for their neighborhood, and for their city, Philadelphia, the "City of Brotherly Love".

The 20th Century brought new technology to the Police Department. In 1906 the Department purchased its first motorcycles, and by 1936, Radio Patrol Cars (R.P.C.s) were in operation. The "Roaring 20's" and the 30s were relatively subdued in the City, thanks to the efforts of the Police Department, and it's Director of Public Safety. The criminal elements in the city had never seen the likes of Director of Public Safety Smedley Butler, a retired Marine Corps Major General and two time (1914 –Vera Cruz and 1915 – Haiti) recipient of the Medal of Honor.

World War II brought about the formation of the Police Auxiliary, who assisted the regular Patrol Officer by maintaining order and performing needed Civil Defense duties.

In 1976, following a major policy change within the Department, the first group of female officers graduated from the Police Academy, with all of the restrictions on assignment and advancement removed. As a witness to the dedication with which the Department pursued this change in policy is the fact that prior to 1976, there were only 76 Police Women in the Department, consisting of one Captain, two Lieutenants, four Sergeants and sixty-nine Officers, all assigned to the Juvenile Aid Division.

As of June 2003, there are 1,706 female Police Officers assigned to every District and Unit in the Department, and in all ranks from Police Officer to Deputy Police Commissioner.

The first female First Deputy Police Commissioner is Patricia Giorgio-Fox, a 31 year veteran of the Department.

In 1985, then Philadelphia Mayor W. Wilson Goode looked outside the Department for a Police Commissioner. Kevin Tucker, former head of the Secret Service’s Philadelphia office, was named Police Commissioner. Under Tucker, the department embraced a new “Community Policing” policy, in which the department worked closely with the community on crime prevention initiatives.

Willie Williams became the city’s first black Police Commissioner in 1988. During his four year tenure, he expanded community policing while grappling with a surge in drug-related crimes.

In 1998 reacting to criticism over the city’s stubbornly consistent crime rate, Mayor Ed Rendell went outside the department for only the third time in its history and hired a new reform-minded police commissioner, John Timoney, former First Deputy Commissioner of the New York Police Department.

As a part of the Community Policing initiative, Police Community Advisory Councils (P.D.A.C.s) were formed in every District. The P.D.A.C.s better enable the Commanders and Officers to keep in touch with the concerns and needs of the residents in his / her patrol area. Mini-Stations have also been opened in Districts, manned by uniformed officers, assisted by a volunteer staff from the community, who perform non-police functions. Each mini-station to be housed in office space donated by community businesses and / or individuals, and is truly a Law Enforcement Partnership.

The Philadelphia Police Department has continued to grow and improve since its early beginnings. Today the Department has an authorized strength of over 6,600 sworn officers, manning 400 patrol cars, 100 emergency patrol wagons, and a variety of other vehicles including SUV's, motorcycles, bicycles, boats and helicopters.

The Department's Marine Unit can trace its history back to April of 1859 when the Harbor Police were established.

The Aviation Unit was organized in July of 1998 after the Department purchased two Bell 206L-4 Long Ranger helicopters, equipped with the latest in crime fighting and rescue technology. These helicopters are utilized to patrol the city and to safeguard its citizens. Lt. Tony Ginaldi is the Department's first sworn Command Pilot.

The Department is organized into 6 Patrol Divisions, commanded by an Inspector, with 2 to 4 Patrol Districts Under their command. Each District is commanded by a Captain with three Line Squads (11 PM - 7 AM, 7 AM - 3 PM, and 3 PM - 11 PM shifts) as well as a Squad assigned directly to the Commander, which is charged with tactical, community relations and administrative functions. There are 23 Patrol Districts in the city, augmented by over 50 specialized units, responsible for tactical, investigative and support roles and situations.

Police Headquarters, better known to Philadelphians as "The Round House" because of its unique architectural design, houses sophisticated criminalistic labs, which support an experienced, well trained Detective Bureau, with units in Police HQ as well as Detective Divisions assigned to every Patrol Division HQ.

Modern technology hasn't been confined to just the lab. The Department has a Closed Circuit TV and computer network that links all of the Department's Districts and Units, allowing faster processing of offenders, as well as easier access to local and national criminal and educational information. The Departments utilizes the A.F.I.S. Finger Print System and the A.T. &T. Image Capture and Retrieval System in each Detective Division. Both of which assist in the investigation and solving of crimes, as well as speeding the processing of arrests.

The Department is now equipped with a 13 channel radio network, Station KGF587, that allows officers to maintain constant contact with Police Headquarters and other policemen. The radio system handles approximately 3 million requests for police assistance annually. The department has continued to be an innovative leader among agencies responsible for major urban areas, and has continued Philadelphia's ranking as having one of the lowest major crime rates of the ten largest cities. LoJack tracking equipment in patrol cars and other innovations continue to place the Philadelphia Police Department at the forefront of hi-tech crime fighting. Mobile Data Terminals are standard in all marked police vehicles.

Personal computers are standard equipment in every District and Unit, assisting Commanders with the many administrative, logistical and tactical problems that they face. Crime information is entered daily and used by experienced officers and supervisors to analyze emerging crime patterns and to devise a tactical response to specific problem areas. The Department's Audio Visual Unit, located in Police Headquarters, produces along with the Detective Bureau, a "Most Wanted" program which is made available to all local television and cable networks in the city.

Today, the Department is joined in its efforts by the Law Enforcement Explorer Scout Program, an active city-wide Town Watch Program, and the highly successful Police Athletic League, which brings the youth of the city into close contact with Officers through recreational activities, thus providing positive role models. There are P.A.L. Centers in every Police Division in the city. Joining in this outreach to the youth of the city are officers assigned to the Community Relations Unit who run the D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T. programs in our city's schools.

Police Week, held annually in early May since 1963. Each year during Police Week, the City Representatives office sponsors the "Living Flame" Memorial service to honor police and firefighters who died in the performance of their duties. Additionally, the Police Department has set aside a date to honor civilian and police personnel who have performed an extraordinary act in the name of law and order. Other activities include: Annual Townwatch Commendations; Police Clergy Ride-alongs; School Presentations announcing Police Week activities and a Vesper Service honoring police officers who have recently received official police department commendations.

The Hero Scholarship Fund was created in 1954 after the deaths of ten Firefighters at the Berg Chemical Laboratories in North Philadelphia. At that time the widow of a Firefighter received $29.00 a month; City Councilman Jack Kelly & a group of Philadelphia businessmen started the fund. The first Thrill Show was held in 1955 at what was then called Municipal Stadium which later had its name changed to JFK Stadium. The first show was a 15 hour rodeo with western movie stars including Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Tex Ritter and the New Riders of the Purple Sage. That event was a huge success and raised $78,000 which was used to provide scholarships for children of Police Officer and Firefighters killed in the line of duty or permanently disabled serving the public. Over the years the Thrill Show was moved to Convention Hall and later to the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

In 2006 the Fraternal Order of Police and the Firefighters Union, along with the Police and Fire Departments, took over the management of the Thrill Show. Philadelphia media legend Larry Kane signed on as the Honorary Chairman, Philly radio personality Bob Pantano served as the MC, and Sylvester “Rocky” Stallone served as Grand Marshall. The Thrill Show was moved to the grounds of the Comcast Spectacor complex. As always, the members of Philadelphia’s Uniform Forces out-performed themselves with demonstrations. $360,000 was raised at this year’s event.

The Highway Patrol Motorcycle Drill Team photo essay shown above has pictures from the old "Glory Days" of the Thrill Show at JFK Stadium, photos from the show inside the Convention Center, and more recently, the new Thrill Show held outside the Spectrum.

NOTE: If anyone has any photos of other Thrill Show participants; i.e. K-9 Unit Drill Team, Bike Stunt Team, etc., please send them to me and I'll add them to the site. Thanks! PB

NOTABLE EVENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

THE MOVE CONFRONTATIONS

1st Move Confrontation, August 8th, 1978

While attempting to enforce a court order at MOVE’s Powelton Village compound, Philadelphia Police officers were fired upon. Police Officer James Ramp of the Stakeout Unit was killed and several Police Officers and Fire Fighters were wounded. Nine MOVE members were later found to be in possession of Ruger Mini 14’s loaded with armor-piercing ammunition. MOVE members were arrested and eventually convicted of 3rd degree murder.

NOTE: In August of 1984, on what I believe was the anniversary of John Africa’s birthday, the members of the Philadelphia Police Department’s Stakeout Unit prepared to enter the MOVE house on Osage Avenue through the skylight on the roof. Twice, then Philadelphia Mayor W. Wilson Goode was contacted for authorization, and on both instances he denied authorization for the entry operation. It should be noted that this was prior to the fortified bunker being built on the roof over top of the skylight. Once again the City Administration (not the Police Department Administration); specifically the Mayor’s Office, was more concerned with Public Opinion than with Public Safety. What occurred on May 13th could have been avoided IF the Mayor had been willing to authorize the entry that August day. This is a personal observation, and will probably be strongly denied by some City Officials, but I was there that day and saw first hand what occurred.      PB

2nd Move Confrontation, May 13th, 1985

After members of the Philadelphia Police Department attempted to serve arrest warrants on four member of MOVE inside their house at 6221 Osage Avenue, a twenty four hour siege ensued, marked by automatic gunfire exchanges between the MOVE members and members of the Stakeout Unit. The MOVE house was heavily fortified with heavy wooden ties, including a rooftop bunker made up of wooden ties and steel plates. Police Commissioner Gregore Sambor was the on-scene commander. At approximately 5:27 PM, using a Pennsylvania State Police Helicopter, a Philadelphia Police Lieutenant dropped an explosive devise made up of Tovex and C-4 which was intended to dislodge the bunker. A fire caused by gasoline inside the bunker set the roof on fire, and the subsequent fire destroyed a one block area of the West Philadelphia neighborhood. All but two MOVE members died in the fire.

NOTE: I spent close to 20 hours at the Osage Ave. scene that day working with then FOP President Bob Hurst. This was Police Week, and before this event unfolded, we had arranged to have a live radio broadcast from the FOP to celebrate Police Week. WFIL 56 radio personality Joey Reynolds was doing the broadcast, and WFIL 6 TV personality Sally Starr was there. When news of the shooting became public, Ms. Starr went on the radio and made a public appeal to MOVE that she would go there, bring the MOVE children out of the house, and guarantee their safety. No one from MOVE ever responded. That day I took between 144 and 216 pictures as the seige progressed, including pictures of the helicopter dropping the explosive device. At President Hurst's request, I gave all of the film to Police Commissioner Greg Sambor. He promised to have the film developed, and return the photos to the FOP and the Department would keep a set. To date no one that I've talked to has ever seen these photos. I spoke to Commissioner Sambor several years after the event (after both he and Managing Director Leo Brooks had been forced to resign) and asked about the photos. He said someone on his staff at the time had the photos but would not release them to anyone. Hopefully one day these photos will be released, and the public will see that the Officers and Commanders on the scene did everything they could to save lives and property. Both Commissioners Sambor and Richmond, and Managing Director Brooks took a beating in the aftermath of the event. But all three of them were THERE, not in hiding in his office like Mayor Goode. His complete lack of leadership throughout the MOVE confrontation played a major part in the outcome. PB

THE 2000 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

During the week of July 29th thru August 3rd, 2000 the Republican National Convention was held in the City of Philadelphia. In spite of constant provoking and attacks by the thousands of protesters, the Philadelphia Police Department maintained order both at the convention site (South Philadelphia) as well as across the Center City area. Less than 400 arrests were made, and officers suffered mostly minor injuries. The men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department showed the world how a well trained, professional police department could handle a very bad situation. Calm heads, thorough planning and hands on leadership prevented chaos and disorder from overflowing the city streets.

FRANK L. RIZZO

Probably the most famous Police Officer to emerge from the ranks of the Philadelphia Police Department was Frank L. Rizzo, who rose through the ranks of the department to become its Commissioner, and then two-term Mayor of Philadelphia. During his tenure the size of the police force increased by fifteen percent, from 7,400 officers in 1969 to 8,500 in 1979. Frank Rizzo has been described as "larger than life", and a "Cop's Cop"; all of which is true. He gave 110% to the people of Philadelphia.

JOHN TIMONEY

Police Commissioner John Timoney came to the Philly P.D. from the N.Y.P.D. Commissioner Timoney’s strong “Street Cop” style of leadership came to national attention during the 2000 Republican National Convention. Commissioner Timoney seemed to be everywhere at once, often riding a police bicycle. He was often seen in the thick of the disturbances and conflicts, leading by example.

AL LEWIS

Al Lewis rose through the ranks of the department, eventually becoming Deputy Police Commissioner. While serving as the Commanding Officer of the 22nd Police District in North Philly, then Captain Lewis was named by President George Bush as one of his “Points of Light”; people from across the Country that the President recognized for their individual efforts to improve the lives of others.

NOTE: I had the honor of working for Al Lewis while he commanded the Double Deuce. His men always came first, he knew who was doing the job, and he went out of his way to let you know he appreciated your efforts. Later in his career he was appointed Deputy United States Marshal for the Philadelphia region.

PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

ROLL OF HONOR

1800's

1828 - Steve Heimer, 1851 - William Baker, 1856 - Neil Mooney, 1870 - Dennis Sullivan

1872 - Lewis Lare, 1872 - Daniel McGonigle, 1876 - Henry O'Donnell, 1877 - George McGonigal

1884 - Charles Megargle, 1887 - William D. Johnston, 1887 - George Jackson

1891 - Elmer Findley, 1894 - John Chambers

1900 - 1909

1900 - Charles O. Conaway, 1902 - Edward George, 1903 - John J. Donovan

1905 - Matthew J. Curran, 1906 - Thomas A. Sheldon, 1906 - Frank Slaymaker

1907 - August F. Brusius, 1908 - Scott H. Shelley, 1908 - Thomas A. Gordon

1908 - Edward Mooney, 1909 - Robert Simons

1910 - 1919

1910 - James O'Brien, 1910 - William Weiss, 1910 - George Barnett, 1910 - Morris Gelles

1912 - Joseph Dolphin, 1912 - Thomas Dowling, 1912 - David M. Simpson