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Testing Begins
BHPD department revised its applicant examination in 1920 to
cover testing of a police officer's duties and responsibilities. Items tested
included arrest procedures, taking of evidence and circumstances in which the
use of firearms was permissible. Results revealed that most applicants had
inadequate education in police procedures, but no minimum score on the test
was set in order to become a police officer.
1921: Year of Changes
By 1921, the Houston population had grown to 177,920 and the
city installed its first traffic signal. It was operated manually by a squad
of 22 officers. That same year, the title of Chief of Police was changed to
Superintendent of Police and the Police Burial Fund was established. The fund
cost officers 50 cents per month and paid out a $200 benefit. The benefit was
later raised to $500.
The First Substation
On October 19, 1926, HPD opened its first substation called
Magnolia Park near the ship channel. Because this was during the era of Prohibition,
The officers at this substation were kept busy dealing with liquor violations.
In the first year of Magnolia Park's operation, officers seized and destroyed
approximately 142 gallons of whiskey and more that 9,000 bottles of beer.
1927: What a Year!
In 1927, the first Mounted Traffic Squad was established and
the first automatic traffic signals were installed. The first car radio was
tuned to KPRC, the only radio station in Houston.
1929: Chief McPhail Takes a Stand
The Houston Chronicle reported that the position of policewoman
was abolished because the Police Chief McPhail believed "a woman on the police
force is unnecessary." The position of matron was deemed more appropriate since
it had no arrest powers.
1929: First Crime Statistics Reported
Burglaries |
392 |
Murders |
50 |
Robbery by Firearms |
50 |
Robbery for Assault |
26 |
Thefts |
904 |
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