The NYPD's First Fifty Years: Politicians, Police Commissioners, and Patrolmen

by Bernard Whalen, Jon Whalen, William J. Bratton (Foreword)

The New York Police Department is an iconic symbol of one of the world’s most famous cities. The blue uniforms of the men and women who serve on the force have long stood for integrity and heroism in the work to serve and protect the city’s residents. And yet, as in any large public organization, the NYPD has also suffered its share of corruption, political shenanigans, and questionable leadership.
 

In The NYPD’s First Fifty Years Bernard Whalen, himself a long-serving NYPD lieutenant, and his father, Jon, consider the men and women who have contributed to the department’s past, both positively and less so. Starting with the official formation of the NYPD in 1898, they examine the commissioners, politicians, and patrolmen who during the next fifty years left a lasting mark on history and on one another. In the process, they also explore the backroom dealings, the hidden history, and the relationships that set the scene for the modern NYPD that so proudly serves the city today.  
 

 

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Research

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[John Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I had known of this book when first published in 2015. This was a very interesting and informative early history of the NYPD of which I knew very little considering my retirement as a Lieutenant with 31 years of service.

This is a history of the newly formed NYPD and its first 50 years beginning in 1898 when all five surrounding boroughs (counties) consolidated to form what was known as the City of Greater New York. Previously New York City consisted of only Manhattan and the Bronx. That police force goes back to 1845. But that is another history.

This is as much a history of municipal politics and its associated corruption. A story of the infamous and powerful Tammany Hall political machine, elections of dishonest Mayors and their appointed police leaders. This set up organized and systemic corruption which filtered down to the lowest level patrol officer. But this is also a story of some dedicated reformer Mayors and Police Commissioners. They brought about new standards of professionalism and innovations and an increase in citizen trust. This turnaround led to the world's largest police department, commonly known as "New York's Finest".

Retired Lieutenant Bernard Whalen has written a well done and easy to read history, filled with many interesting facts, indicating much research. A must read for police personnel and police buffs.

[Chuck Barber · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book includes a number of interesting stories, it reads like a series of term papers. In several cases, information in one chapter is repeated in the next, as if the chapters were intended to be read on their own. It would have been better had the authors narrowed their focus to the life and times of one of the chiefs.

[Gregory Delaurentis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book on the evolving NYPD from a force that respected the law, to a force that finally would enforce it. Amazing detail and an excellent read.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative history of the evolution of an institution that was influenced and impact society and continues to do so .