Chattanooga, TN – According to the police officials, on January 5, 1852, Chattanooga marked a milestone in its history by appointing its first city marshal, laying the foundation for the modern Chattanooga Police Department.
This marked a shift from the earlier system of town constables to a more structured and professional approach to law enforcement.
City marshals were granted the authority to hire assistants, known as “policemen,” who worked full-time and earned a monthly salary of $15, equivalent to approximately $607 today.
The police force was organized into day and night shifts, with the city marshal also managing public works.
Today, the Chattanooga Police Department celebrates its long history of service to the community.