1909 Tenderloin Police Cell: Captured Candid Moment

In 1909, the New York City Police Department captured a candid snapshot of a cell in the newly established Tenderloin station. This photograph highlights the cramped conditions of police custody at the time, featuring a cot, a toilet bowl, and a sink with running water. It specifically documents a woman detained for public intoxication, presenting a glimpse into the lives of individuals facing law enforcement in the early 20th century.

This image is significant not just for its content but also as a reflection of the era’s social issues. The Tenderloin district was notorious for its nightlife and vice, making it a focal point for police activity. The conditions inside this cell shed light on the treatment of individuals in custody and the evolving approaches toward law enforcement and public behavior during a transformational period in Americas history.