The City Of Hackensack

Police Department History

Hackensack’s rich history is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Lenni Lenape Chief Oratam, born in 1577 and renowned as the “Sagamore of Hacquinsacq.” Chief Oratam played a pivotal role in the region’s early history, deeding the land to early settlers in 1664. The town, initially established as a Dutch trading post in 1639, witnessed a series of occupancies, including the French Huguenots and the British, culminating in the formation of the township of New Barbadoes. In 1921, through a referendum vote, Hackensack officially received its charter under its present name.
 
Hackensack’s historical significance extends back to the American Revolution, where the town served as a focal point. In November 1776, George Washington headquartered here, making strategic decisions while surveying local roads and bridges. On November 20, 1776, Washington led his army into Hackensack, opting to continue the retreat from overwhelming British and Hessian forces. This strategic move set the stage for the first American victory of the Revolution at the Battle of Trenton the following month.
 
The heart of this historical narrative lies in The Green, a small village where Washington’s army camped during the Revolution. Here, a statue of General Enoch Poor, one of Washington’s officers, stands as a testament to the sacrifices made during those tumultuous times. General Poor, who died in September 1780, was buried in the adjoining cemetery of the Dutch Reformed Church, originally built in 1696 and rebuilt in 1791, making it the oldest in Bergen County and the second oldest in New Jersey.
Hackensack, serving as the seat of Bergen County in northeastern New Jersey, encompasses 4.6 square miles, with elevations ranging from three feet to 120 feet above sea level. From various vantage points within the town, one can enjoy panoramic views of the New York City skyline, located just seven miles to the east. As Hackensack continues to evolve, its rich history remains an integral part of its identity, a testament to the endurance and resilience of this thriving community.
 
The Hackensack Police Department adds another layer to the city’s narrative, unfolding a captivating history spanning over a century. On February 21, 1888, the Hackensack Improvement Commission introduced “An Act to Provide for the Establishment of a Police Force,” laying the foundation for the department. However, it wasn’t until August 1900 that the village officially adopted the “Ordinance to Establish and Regulate a Police Department in the Village of Hackensack,” solidifying the department’s structure.
The early years were marked by Spartan conditions, with two law officers, “Bucky” Banta and George Earle, patrolling tirelessly for a meager $50 per month. They supplied their own uniforms and equipment, working out of borrowed space in the Fire House at 24 Mercer Street, laying the foundation for a force that would adapt and grow.
 
The patrol function during this era was a simple yet vital aspect of law enforcement. If one of the officers took the area north of the Susquehanna Railroad tracks, the other would take the area south. The selection process for these areas remains a mystery, lost to time.
 
Transitioning leadership in the late 19th century saw Cornelius Van Blarcom taking charge, expanding the force to four patrol posts. The absence of a Chief of Police didn’t impede the department’s progress. Changes in leadership in the early 1900s, with Irving Waltermire becoming the first Chief, were followed by Jacob Dunn, overseeing moves to locations like the Garden State National Bank and Ricardo’s Warehouse.
 
By 1918, the Police Department found a more permanent home at 24 Mercer Street, formerly the Fire House, marking a period of stability. Over the next 40 years, the department continued to grow, leading to the construction of a modern headquarters at 225 State Street in 1958.
 
In 1993, a significant historical perspective was offered in the book “The City of Hackensack: Three Centuries of Prosperity 1693-1993,” published by the City of Hackensack. The book highlighted the broader context of New Jersey forming police and fire departments after 1871, following the passage of a state Legislature law permitting local governments to organize these services. Hackensack’s first police department emerged in 1896, aligning its history with the broader trajectory of law enforcement development in the state.
 
The department, currently under the guidance of dedicated leaders, reflects its commitment to diverse aspects of law enforcement. Divisions specializing in Detective work, Youth services, Traffic management, Criminal Identification, and Patrol showcase the department’s comprehensive approach.
 
From two ill-equipped constables to a 100+ member, computer-assisted force, the Hackensack Police Department’s journey epitomizes resilience and adaptability. The delayed adoption of the ordinance in 1900, along with the patrol dynamics and historical context, underscores the dynamic nature of early policing efforts, reflecting the department’s ability to overcome challenges and transform into a pillar of safety and security for the community.

Chief Irving Waltermeyer

1895 – 1914

Transitioning leadership in the late 19th century saw Cornelius Van Blarcom taking charge, expanding the force to four patrol posts. The absence of a Chief of Police didn’t impede the department’s progress. Changes in leadership in the early 1900s, with Irving Waltermire becoming the first Chief, were followed by Jacob Dunn, overseeing moves to locations like the Garden State National Bank and Ricardo’s Warehouse.
 
By 1918, the Police Department found a more permanent home at 24 Mercer Street, formerly the Fire House, marking a period of stability. Over the next 40 years, the department continued to grow, leading to the construction of a modern headquarters at 225 State Street in 1958.
 
In 1993, a significant historical perspective was offered in the book “The City of Hackensack: Three Centuries of Prosperity 1693-1993,” published by the City of Hackensack. The book highlighted the broader context of New Jersey forming police and fire departments after 1871, following the passage of a state Legislature law permitting local governments to organize these services. Hackensack’s first police department emerged in 1896, aligning its history with the broader trajectory of law enforcement development in the state.
The department, currently under the guidance of dedicated leaders, reflects its commitment to diverse aspects of law enforcement. Divisions specializing in Detective work, Youth services, Traffic management, Criminal Identification, and Patrol showcase the department’s comprehensive approach.
 
From two ill-equipped constables to a 100+ member, computer-assisted force, the Hackensack Police Department’s journey epitomizes resilience and adaptability. The delayed adoption of the ordinance in 1900, along with the patrol dynamics and historical context, underscores the dynamic nature of early policing efforts, reflecting the department’s ability to overcome challenges and transform into a pillar of safety and security for the community.