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.