The Norfolk Police Department began as a citizen force more than 200 years ago when the safety of a growing borough could no longer be ensured by requiring every citizen to arm himself to protect his own family and property.
As early as 1738, Watchmen were appointed to patrol the streets at night, armed with only a club, on the lookout for fires and other dangers. They were paid less than $50.00 per year.
In 1797, the Borough Council of Norfolk formally and permanently established the Watch. (Click on each picture to see an enlarged version.)
![[IMAGE: Norfolk Police van]](../../../images/1997/npl1l.gif)
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![[IMAGE: Norfolk Police van]](../../../images/1997/npl2l.gif)
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| The Norfolk Police van in 1933. | The Norfolk Police van in 1958. |
![[IMAGE: Officer ticketing a toy car]](../../../images/1997/npl3l.gif)
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Officer Marshall tickets a car in 1932.
![[IMAGE: Police officer and child]](../../../images/1997/npl4l.gif)
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"Officer Friendly" brings a special program to elementary school children in 1983.
![[IMAGE: Male and female police officers]](../../../images/1997/npl6l.gif)
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New police uniforms, 1958.
![[IMAGE: Five mounted officers]](../../../images/1997/npl7l.gif)
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The mounted police squad c1908.
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