Colorado Springs Police Department
History

On September 2, 1872 Colorado Springs was incorporated as a city. From 1872 - 1878, the head of the Department was the Town Constable.

From 1878 - 1901, the head of the Department was the City Marshal. SC Foote became the first Town Marshal.

Since 1901, the head of the Department has been the Chief of Police.

Vincent King becomes the first Chief of Police in 1901.

Officer Benjamin Frankling Bish is the first police officer in the history of Colorado Springs to lose his life in the line of duty -- June 25, 1896.

In 1907, under Chief William Reynolds, police officers work 12-hour days with a 15-minute lunch break.

1908 - Horses have the Right of Way - First ordinance for speed 10 MPH; horses have right of way.

Colorado City becomes part of Colorado Springs and the Department hires the first designated policewoman (Mrs. Easley) who performs matron type duties -- 1916.

1925 - Drivers Licenses Required - Every motorist, except visitors, must have a driver's license.

1928 - Rubber Traffic Signs Installed - Because of the high number of auto accidents involving fixed objects, city installs rubber traffic signs in the middle of main intersections.

1928 - Because of a high number of pedestrian/auto accidents at intersections, citizens are reminded to stop playing with the rubber traffic sign poles.