Waterbury Police History
Protecting Waterbury Through the Years
For over a century and a half, the police officers of the City of Waterbury have made it their sole duty to answer every call for service, forever willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their city and all who live and work in it. This steadfast commitment is evident throughout the history of the department.
The Beginning
The City of Waterbury established its first official police force on Thursday, July 28, 1853. The first police force consisted of 25 men serving under the command of Superintendent Samuel Warren. The members of the first police force were referred to as "Constables" and were paid between 15 and 25 cents per hour.
Over the Years
Throughout the one hundred and sixty-five years that followed, the Waterbury Police Department has remained dynamic, propelling the police department successfully forward as it protects and serves the City of Waterbury. As crimes became more complex, the Waterbury Police Department became more technologically advanced in order to leverage these changes to benefit the City of Waterbury.
The styles of the uniforms, types of patrol vehicles, type of sidearm carried, training techniques, and demographics of the officers have evolved over the years. However, one thing has remained constant: the dedication and hard work of its members.
The Department Today
The men and women of today’s Waterbury Police Department continue to serve with the same pride as those who came before them. It is their hope that future generations of Waterbury Police Officers will look back and share the same sense of pride in wearing the badge then as those who do today.
Explore Our Full History
Take a deeper look at the milestones, moments, and people who shaped the Waterbury Police Department over the decades.
