I. On April 6th, 1865 Morristown was formed from within Morris Township.
II. The Police Department was formed by Town Ordinance on June 14th, 1865.
III. A shack was erected on the corner of "Town Hill" and served as the first Police Station.
IV. A City Marshal was elected to the Common Council to serve at it's pleasure - it was essentially a political appointment.
V. In 1879, the Council approved a new Police Department building and it was constructed at a cost of $272 next to the Fire Station on Speedwell Avenue at Water Street.
VI. In 1908, the Police Station was upgraded at a cost of $9806.38.
VII. Under Chief Holloway, a new uniform button was created incorporating a raised picture of George Washington's Headquarters and the department saw the advent of motor driven vehicles.
VIII. In 1923, the work was being completed to move the Police Department into it's new building, the Vail Mansion. The move was held up however by the lack of building supplies.
IX. The Vail Mansion Police Headquarters would feature a radio receiving set, the only one in northern New Jersey west of Newark. This radio would allow the police desk to receive emergency calls being broadcast from the metropolitan centers to the suburban districts and would also serve as a reliable way to regulate the town fire siren.
X. In the Jerseyman Magazine, October 4th, 1926:
"In the old days the quaint uniform of the Marshals and first Policemen were to be seen only on the week-days. After midnight and on the Sabbath, it was almost necessary to issue a search warrant if an officer was wanted. Now, the Town is policed night and day by officers armed and in uniform, ready for any contingency."
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