Mobile Police Department History
Mobile was first incorporated under an act of the territorial Legislature of Mississippi in January , 1814, and on March 14, 1814, a local government was formed with the election of commissioners. This township was divided into three wards, with a commissioner for each ward. Two constables were elected to enforce the ordinances passed by the commissioners. The salary of the first law enforcement officer in Mobile was $10 a month plus 50% commission on fines.
The State of Alabama reincorporated the town under the title of "The Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Mobile" on December 17, 1819.
By October 21, 1821, it was necessary for Mayor Addin Lewis and the aldermen to pass an ordinance creating a city watch and defining its duties. The system of providing the manpower for the watch was similar to the present day system of selecting juries. All free male citizens over sixteen years of age were required to serve. The pay was $2.00 a week.
In 1824 Mayor Constantine Laveretta had a guard house constructed on Conti Street. The new guard house was built on the site of a Spanish bakery and was constructed in an L shape. This building was located on the east side of the German Relief Hall. It had a watch tower that contained the alarm bell that is now on display in front of the Police Headquarters Building at 2460 Government Street. From this tower the city watch would stand watch and call out "All's Well" every hour. Eventually, it became necessary to employ someone to ensure that the watchman remained awake throughout the night. This position was known as Captain of the Watch.
