Milwaukee Police Department

Images of America: Wisconsin

by Maralyn A. Wellauer-Lenius

The Milwaukee Police Department was organized in 1855 with a determined chief, seven pugnacious officers, and little money. The department grew to 21 men by the start of the Civil War in 1861. Law enforcement in the city soon earned the national reputation for honesty, integrity, and fairness it has enjoyed into the 21st century. The Milwaukee Police Department was first in the country to establish a formal officer training school, police bomb disposal vehicle, and "talking squad car." Nefarious criminals handled by the department include the foiled presidential assassin John Schrank, the serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, and characters with quaint nicknames like "Cat-eye Lil" and "Kelly the Choker."

130 pages, Hardcover

First published February 25, 2008

Reviews

[Art · Rating 3 out of 5]

A photo book that supports the Milwaukee Police Historical Society and celebrates the department. The author's father served as a patrolman from 1934-62.

Historical nuggets: In 1911, Milwaukee installed its first call boxes, which served as fire alarms, police phones and for general use. A blue light signified messages and alerts. A few of these boxes remain standing. In 1921, Milwaukee installed stop-and-go signals, replacing officers at busy intersections. In 1941, officers used chalk to mark the tires of parked cars.

Two and a half stars.

A security guard in the building where I work noticed that I always carry a book. She brought this in one day and lent it to me.