The History of the Foot Patrol in Chicago, Illinois During the 1920s & 1930s
The history of the foot patrol in Chicago, Illinois, during the 1920s and 1930s is elaborate and filled with controversy. Much of this has to do with the widespread organized crime that was prevalent throughout the city, most notably Al Capone. Although motorcycle squads and car-based police operated heavily during this time, the day-to-day crime control was handled by patrols on foot.
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Excessive Force
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The foot patrol in Chicago was subject to a number of criticisms over the use of excessive force during the 1920s and 1930s. In 1931, a presidential commission was established to investigate the foot patrol. However, the high levels of violence continued until the Memorial Day Massacre in which 10 steelworkers were killed on May 30, 1937.
Radio
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In 1930, the foot patrol introduced radio broadcasting that allowed members to communicate with each other. This communication also introduced teletype, which sent text messages from location to location.
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Anti-Vice
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During the era of the early 1920s, anti-vice squads of foot patrol were established. These focused on suppressing bootlegging and prostitution throughout the city. However, this was met with corruption in the force and a rise of murders.
Academy
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Education for foot patrol officers was established in 1910 with a police academy. However, this education was expanded to a three-month program in 1929 in response to analysis by the Chicago Crime Commission. This included the addition of a crime laboratory for use by officers.
African Americans
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The African American representation in Chicago's foot patrol was better than other large cities with one member reaching the rank of captain by the end of the 1930s. However, black officers could not arrest white citizens.
Federal Influence
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During Prohibition, a number of federal agents came to Chicago to target the organized crime element of Al Capone and John Dillinger, among others. This presence offset the influence of the foot patrol on the streets of Chicago with the citizens.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Wikimedia Commons; public domain
