Avalon Police Department
For over 100 years, law enforcement officers have worked to make the community of Avalon safe.
As Avalon emerged from the dunes in the late 1800s, there was no movement to provide a system of law and order until 1906. In fact, it was almost an afterthought to the safety of beachgoers, because the growing resort town got its first policemen in the form of two off-duty “bathing masters.”
Avalon's First Lifeguards (1907) by UnknownThe Avalon History Center
The Bathing Masters
Walter A. Smith – postmaster, tax collector, general store owner, and Borough clerk – was hired with Howard High to supervise the beach and swimming during the day and patrol the streets at night, armed only with handcuffs and billy clubs.
A billy club, ticket book, and badge used by Avalon police officers.
By 1915, there were four lifeguards working as marshals each evening. Call stations were set up on lamp posts around town, which were used by part-time patrolmen as time clocks and security checks.
Chief Henry Armstrong (left) and Officer Morris Cherry (right) standing next to Avalon's first police car.
Mayor Greenan and Police (1943/1959) by UnknownThe Avalon History Center
Ordinance 293
Under Chief Harry McDowell, the 1950s saw a continued increase in the police force, which resulted in Mayor Edith Greenan signing Ordinance 293 in 1957. This ordinance provided for the “creation, establishment, maintenance, regulation and control of the police department."
Police Chief McDowell (1948/1952) by UnknownThe Avalon History Center
By 1960, Avalon’s police department had three patrol cards, two ambulances, and 16 seasonal officers during the summer.
Avalon Police Boat Inspection (1965) by UnknownThe Avalon History Center
Over the next few decades, the police department started new initiatives and took on new law enforcement tasks – with special equipment, in some cases.
Avalon Police Boat (1965) by UnknownThe Avalon History Center
After acquiring a boat, police started patrolling the back bay waterways in addition to Avalon’s streets.
Starting in the 1970s, a succession of police chiefs worked to reduce seasonal misdemeanors by recruiting special officers and introducing zero tolerance policies towards underage drinking and general rowdiness.
Sound level meter, badge, microcassette transcriber, and alcohol sensor used by Avalon police officers.
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The Present Day
By 1998, the role of the police department slowly transitioned to social peacekeeping with new community initiatives, like the Senior Alone program. The new millennium also brought the construction of the current public safety building.
Cellular phone, hat, badge, and shirt used by Avalon police officers.
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The Avalon History Center
Want to see more? Visit the Avalon History Center to explore our full exhibits in person!
