Newark Police Collection

Dr. Dorothy Guyot, was an Associate Professor at the School of Criminal Justice of Rutgers University and later became a faculty member at St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland. Dr. Guyot is the author of "They Say the Commissioner Is Too Lenient" (1977), "Bending Granite: Attempts to Change the Rank Structure of American Police Departments" (1978), "Policing as Though People Matter" (1991), and “Coping with Crime in Newark” (1981). This collection contains research materials related to the Northwestern University Project on Governmental Responses to Crime led by Dr. Guyot which was used for “Coping with Crime in Newark”

The Newark Police Department is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in the state of New Jersey. The Department began as the City Watch and was established when Newark became incorporated in 1836. By 1844 a Common Council ordinance was passed, outlining the duties of the watchmen to light the street lamps and patrol at night. By 1852 there were increasing reports of “rowdyism” in Newark, including riots, assaults, robberies and fights, with William and Broad Streets being a major hub for disturbances. The rise of these disturbances of the peace became overwhelming for the Watch, who were employed to protect property and life “within a certain district” and were limited to their designated posts. The need for a dedicated Police force was becoming evident as crime was growing city-wide. Outlined in an ordinance by the Common Council in March of 1853 $8,500 was allotted for the Night Watch, $8,500 for the lighting of the streets and $2,000 for the support of the Police Department, and all three areas maintained under the Lamp and Watch District. By 1855 the Police Department was made up of 19 men and the Constable provided by the state. The Police Department efficiently enforced penalties and conducted arrests proving there was a need for a more organized law enforcement. Meanwhile the Watch continued with its 20 man roster, preserving public peace and properties at their designated posts. Finally, in 1857 the Common Council reported they would reorganize the Watch and the Police Department by uniting them into day and night police. By this point the yearly cost to maintain both was $22,000, they sought to reduce these costs to $18,000 by restructuring. The Mayor would head the Department and it would contain one chief, one captain, two or more lieutenants, policemen and a doorman, which was a role similar to a custodian, sometimes responsible for escorting and transporting the detained. In April of 1857 it was reported in the Newark Daily Advertiser that private watchmen were now being employed by principal business owners on Broad and Market, as well as between New Street and Library Hall, to "watch the premises and guard properties from robbery or fire”. Their duties would go “no farther than the protection of property and do not interfere with the regular duties of the police force”.

The department has seen many evolutions over its 200 years. From relying on foot patrols and horse-drawn vehicles in the 19th century, the introduction of radio cars in 1934, to the body cameras and advanced communication systems of today, the Newark Police’s patrol methods have evolved to ensure more efficient response times and accountability within the force. The first three women on the police force Justina Eller, Margaret Dugan, and Etta Fallon, were sworn in in 1918. Today women make up 30% of the police force.

The arrest and beating of Black cab driver John W. Smith on July 12, 1967, was the incident that sparked the Newark Rebellion. Smith’s arrest at the old 4th Police Precinct was witnessed by residents of the nearby Hayes Homes, a public housing project, with some reports of an unconscious Smith being dragged into the station. Crowds gathered outside the precinct building on 17th Avenue, rumors spread that Smith had died in police custody, and protestors demanded he be transferred to a hospital. Tensions rose, leading to six days of looting, devastating fires, damage to businesses, vehicles and other property, as well as shootings, assaults and arrests. The New Jersey State Police and later the New Jersey Army National Guard were called in by Governor Hughes to intervene, and the violence eventually subsided.

In the years after the 1967 disturbances, the Newark Police sought to improve relationships with the community by increasing their training as well as attempts to revise policies. Economic decline, general mistrust of the police, as well as racial tensions continued throughout the 1970’s and 80’s. Newark faced a rise in crimes, along with the drug epidemic of the 1980’s. Although the Department sought to change its methods of enforcement, traditional methods prevailed, including police brutality and excessive force.

In 2014 US Department of Justice found the Newark Police engaging in unconstitutional practices, including excessive force and discriminatory practices. The oversight of the department was also in question. As a result, in 2016, Newark entered a consent decree and agreed to federal monitoring and reforms. In 2015 the Director of Public Safety position was created to oversee both the Police and Fire Divisions and the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.