Individual Files

Series

Identifier: 6407-01

Scope and Contents Note

Also known as the "People File," this is a name file relating to current and former members of the Police Department, both civilian and sworn. It includes photographs, negatives, newspaper clippings, correspondence, and other material related to the named individual. A few individuals were included in the files when they have been associated with the Department in one way or another such as presidents, governors, mayors, sports figures, and actors.

Known ranks are shown. Photos of the same individual coming up through the ranks may be present. Many of the photographs in this collection were published in one of the SPD public relations newspapers (Main 7810, Police Journal, Call Box, Seattle Police News, and the SPD Journal) or in histories.

Dates

Creation: 1861-1995

Creator

Seattle (Wash.). Police Dept. (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

The City’s first charter established the Marshall as the local peace officer. An 1883 Charter amendment established the position of Chief of Police with authority to hire police officers. The Chief of Police was an elected position until 1890. The City Charter of 1890 created the Board of Police Commissioners which administered the Department and appointed officers. Following allegations of corruption, the Commission was abolished by the new Charter of 1896. The Chief of Police, appointed by the mayor, served as administrator of the Department. In 1962, the Department assumed authority for policing the harborfront, formerly a function of the Harbor Department.