Early 20th Century Police Inspector Portrait

This photograph features Inspector Eagan, captured between 1915 and 1920. The image, part of the George Grantham Bain Collection, displays the work of the Bain News Service, a notable entity known for documenting significant events and figures in early 20th-century America. As an inspector, Eagan likely played a role in law enforcement during a time marked by rapid change, including the Prohibition Era and the rise of organized crime.

The photograph itself was produced using a glass negative, a common photographic technique of the time that allowed for detailed images. Glass plate photography was predominant from the mid-19th century until the early 20th century, valued for the clarity and precision it offered. This particular image provides a glimpse into the eras style and professionalism in law enforcement, showcasing not just the individual but also the historical context surrounding policing in the United States during those transformative years.