The Pensacola Police Historic Society

By Mike Simmons

n 1908, the business of policing wasn’t much different than it is today. Those with an eye for money details were charged with budgeting the cost of salaries, maintenance, etc. Here are the expenses for the month of September, 1908 for the Pensacola Police Department:

Salaries

Marshal: $140

Deputy Marshal: 90

2 Captains (77.50 ea): 145

Feed for 2 horses for Captains: 30

One Special Officer: 75

20 Patrolmen (70 ea): 1400

8 Mounted Officers: 560

Feed for 8 Horses for Mounted Officers: 120

2 Station Keepers (75 ea): 150

2 Patrol Drivers (70 ea): 140

2 Stock Catchers (50 ea): 100

Feeding Prisoners: 187.50

Patrol Expenses

Feeding Shoeing and Repairing Horses: 75

Telegraph Alarm, including Electrician’s Salary: 75

Stock Pound Expenses: 7.50

Stationery and Incidentals: 100

Repairs and Improvements

One Covered Patrol Wagon: 300

Equipment for Police: 424

35 belts and clubs (3 ea), 14 Police Pistols: 424

1 set Horse Collar and Hames: 38

Charities

One-half Salary Physician: 50

Medicines: 50

Care and Transportation Paupers: 50

Hospital Expenses: 75

Interesting…