The establishment of the Chicago Police Department in 1855 marked a turning point in the city’s history. What began as a small, loosely organized group of constables and night watchmen became, over the next half-century, one of the largest police forces in the United States. Yet, the period between 1855 and 1900 was anything but smooth. The department grew in size and importance while also becoming a symbol of corruption, political influence, and violent clashes with Chicago’s working class.
Founding of the Department
On August 15, 1855, Chicago formally created its first organized police department under Chief Cyrus P. Bradley.
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The initial force consisted of 9 officers and a small command staff.
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They were uniformed for the first time, making them visible symbols of law and order.
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Early duties included patrolling streets, responding to disturbances, and enforcing liquor laws.
The department was created in response to the city’s rapid population growth. By the 1850s, Chicago had become a booming transportation hub, and crime was no longer something a few constables could handle.
Challenges of a Growing City
Chicago’s population skyrocketed:
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30,000 people in 1850
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112,000 by 1860
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Nearly 1.1 million by 1890
With this growth came crime, poverty, and social unrest.
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Theft, burglary, and violent crime increased.
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Saloons, brothels, and gambling dens flourished in neighborhoods like the Levee District.
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Immigrant communities, particularly Irish and German, were often blamed for disorder.
The police were tasked not only with stopping crime but also with enforcing morality laws, which targeted drinking, gambling, and prostitution.
The Lager Beer Riots (1855)
One of the first major events involving the Chicago Police Department occurred the same year it was founded.
Mayor Levi Boone, a temperance advocate, ordered that:
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Saloons must close on Sundays.
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The price of liquor licenses would skyrocket.
Immigrant communities, especially the Germans (who saw beer as part of daily life), resisted. On April 21, 1855, thousands gathered to protest. When police attempted arrests, riots broke out.
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Rioters armed with bricks and stones fought police.
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One protester was killed, dozens injured.
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The incident deepened tensions between police and immigrant communities.
Civil War and Public Disorder
The Civil War (1861–1865) brought additional challenges. Chicago became a center for troop movements and political activity.
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Police were tasked with preventing draft riots, guarding armories, and controlling anti-war demonstrations.
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Corruption increased, as police often looked the other way at vice operations that catered to soldiers.
During this time, the department also began expanding its political role, often being used by city leaders to suppress dissent.
The Great Chicago Fire (1871)
The Great Fire of 1871 destroyed much of the city, leaving tens of thousands homeless. In the aftermath:
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Looting broke out in burned districts.
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Police and hastily deputized citizens patrolled ruins.
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Curfews were imposed, and violators were often beaten or arrested.
The disaster revealed the limitations of the department, which struggled to maintain order under catastrophic conditions.
The Rise of Labor Unrest
As Chicago industrialized, labor movements became more organized—and confrontations with police more violent.
The Railroad Strike of 1877
Triggered by wage cuts, railroad workers across the country went on strike. In Chicago:
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Workers clashed with police and federal troops.
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More than 30 people were killed in street battles.
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Police gained a reputation as protectors of business interests, rather than neutral keepers of peace.
The Haymarket Affair (1886)
Perhaps the most infamous event in Chicago police history occurred on May 4, 1886.
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During a labor rally for the eight-hour workday in Haymarket Square, someone threw a bomb at police.
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The explosion killed 7 officers and at least 4 civilians.
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Police responded with gunfire, killing and wounding dozens.
In the aftermath, eight anarchists were tried—despite little evidence they were responsible. Four were executed.
The Haymarket Affair cemented the image of Chicago police as an anti-labor force, willing to use violence against workers.
Political Corruption
Throughout the late 19th century, the Chicago Police Department was deeply entangled in politics.
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Officers were often hired through patronage, not merit.
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Police captains were expected to deliver votes for their political sponsors.
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Vice operations (brothels, saloons, gambling dens) thrived under police “protection.”
The department’s reputation for corruption became legendary. Reformers regularly called for change, but political leaders resisted, since the police were useful tools for maintaining power.
Policing Vice Districts
Neighborhoods like the Levee District on the South Side became famous for crime and vice.
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Prostitution, gambling, and drinking flourished.
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Police were accused of taking bribes to allow these businesses to operate.
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Reform campaigns came and went, but vice remained entrenched.
This environment created the conditions for Chicago’s later reputation as the nation’s vice capital during Prohibition.
Transition to a Modern Force
By 1900, the Chicago Police Department had grown to nearly 3,000 officers, making it one of the largest in the country.
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Patrols were organized by districts and beats.
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Telegraph lines connected stations for faster communication.
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Horse-drawn patrol wagons began to appear.
Despite these advances, the department was still hampered by corruption, political interference, and a reputation for brutality.
Legacy of the Era
The first half-century of the Chicago Police Department established key patterns that would define the city’s future:
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A force entangled in politics, serving powerful interests.
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Frequent conflict with working-class and immigrant communities.
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Struggles with corruption and public trust.
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A growing ability to handle large-scale unrest, often through violent means.
These patterns would continue well into the 20th century, setting the stage for new conflicts around organized crime, prohibition, and civil rights.
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