1800's

1880's

Following the close of the Civil War, as the population of Greensburg exceeded 6,000, it was evident the town needed a regularly employed police officer. Joseph Boomer was appointed as the first town officer about 1888. His monthly salary was set at $45.00. A short time afterward John Walthour was called to serve as night patrolman. His salary was $40.00 per month. Jonathan Kistler and William F. Bollinger were appointed shortly thereafter.

1890's

Several additional officers were added to the patrol in 1890. That same year council granted the police a pay increase of five dollars ($5.00) per month, and in addition, agreed to furnish them with helmets. It was then that the police force first began to take color. Each of the officers soon patrolled while wearing drab helmets and a blue brass-button coat. Each officer carried a heavy nightstick about 18 inches long of polished wood with a rawhide strap on the handle end and a load of lead on the other end. It was a common, picturesque sight to see these officers standing on the street corners juggling the stick in professional manner, indicating their ability at wielding the club when summary action demanded. Mischievous boys usually were made to feel the sting of the strap end.

When Bunker Hill Borough consolidated with Greensburg in 1894 the police force was increased. John Walthour had resigned and Michael Carroll was chosen to succeed him. The first borough jail was established in the basement of the old courthouse on Main Street. It was centrally located and convenient for arresting officers. In the late 1800’s, a more spacious facility was provided on North Main Street.

The new lockup, located directly over the North Main Street tunnel, was upgraded and moved a greater distance from downtown. This proved a great disadvantage to officers bent on landing prisoners in the “jug”. Those who had lost their motive powers through too strenuous a bout with alcohol proved to be a real problem. Frequently, the suspect would lie down. Several experiences dragging prisoners up the hill was too much even for the most able police officer, and a new system was adopted.

A one-wheel, two-handled “Maria” (wheelbarrow) was placed at the rear of the courthouse. When it happened that alcohol had the offender down by the time a policeman arrived, the victim was placed aboard. The trek up the hill to the lock-up never failed to attract the attention of both the young and old.