Vintage Police Patrol: Urban America, 1915-1920

This historical photograph captures a police patrol in action, taken by the Bain News Service between 1915 and 1920. During this period, American cities were grappling with rapid urbanization, crime rates, and the challenges that came with World War I. Police departments were evolving to deal with these changes, reflecting a shift in law enforcement practices of the time. The patrol duty showcases the early twentieth-century uniform styles and methods that officers employed while maintaining public safety in bustling urban environments.

This photograph serves as a snapshot of a critical moment in American law enforcement history, highlighting the role of the police during a time of social change. As city life became more complex, patrols were not just about enforcing the law but also about community presence and engagement. Such images offer valuable insights into the development of policing and the societal issues that shaped their operations in the early 1900s.