Police History

In 1899, the Town Board appointed G.W. Lefevers as the Town Constable. Through the years this position has been titled Town Constable, Town Marshall or Chief of Police. Over the years the duties of the Police Chief have changed as the department has grown from one man to a force of 16 full-time sworn law enforcement officers. As the requirements of law enforcement officers have evolved through the years, the qualifications to perform these duties have also evolved. Currently, all sworn law enforcement officers must successfully complete Basic Law Enforcement Training from an accredited institution.

 

In the early years, the Police Chief's duties included "lighting the street lights daily and winding the clock in the park." The Chief's present responsibilities include managing the Police Department, consisting of sworn full-time police officers, auxiliary police officers, and clerical staff. 

 

Transportation for the Police Department is first mentioned in the Board Minutes of October 3, 1927, when the Board authorized the purchase of a motorcycle with a side car.  In 1930, the Board authorized trading the motorcycle for a new Ford Touring Car. Today our officers patrol in vehicles equipped with the latest technology for information gathering, speed detection, and features for officer safety safety including prisoner transport.

 

For more information about the history of Granite Falls, please see Town History.