Official Lockport, NY Government & Tourism Information ~ Erie Canal Locks & Flight of Five

City Police History
March 26, 1829 the village of Lockport was incorporated. At the time there was four constables for the hamlet of Lockport as well as the Town. The village officers of 1829 included two constables for law enforcement, one from each of the two wards.

In 1841 the new village charter required the constables to be present at all fires, and take into custody any person interfering with the duties of firemen.

There was no real change in law enforcement until May 25, 1863. The Village Board of Trustees appointed four police constables and a police justice. The sum of $2400.00 was raised by taxation to pay the five appointees for one year.

April 1865, the City of Lockport was created by an act of legislature. This act provided there be a Chief of Police and two police constables from each of the City's four wards. This went into effect in April 1866.

Besides the eight man police force and chief, there was dozens of special policemen who were appointed by the Mayor and Common Council, at the request of industry, organizations, and prominent citizens. These special policemen were paid by the petitioners, but had the same power as the eight regular police.

On May 12, 1882, the present police system was inaugurated, and known as the Lockport Metropolitan Police Force. It still consisted of eight policemen and a new chief, Charles Molyneux who served for 26 years.

In 1908, a police patrol wagon was purchased. The Chief of the Fire Departmen, Samuel Cunningham, furnished the team of horses for it.

The first police station was located on the second floor of the Arcade Building on Pine Street form 1865-1871. The second police station was located on Canal Street, (now Richmond Avenue) form 1871-1882. The third police station was located at Pine and Race Streets from 1882-1899 in the Lohrmann Building. The fourth police station was located across the street at 15-17 Pine Street from 1899-1905. The fifth police station was located on Pine Street and Center Alley from 1905-1974.

In 1974 the police department was relocated in the new Lockport Municipal Building located at 1 Locks Plaza.

In 1870 a second police station was located at 253 Market Street in the lower town area. It was located there for many years. At present, all police operations run out of Police Headquarters at 1 Locks Plaza.

The first police uniforms were provided in 1871.