Established, May 23, 1845
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) was officially established in 1845 to replace the ineffective night watch system. It was modeled after London's Metropolitan Police, adopting a military-style structure. Initially, New York City had only a small force of constables, marshals, and municipal officers. The 1844 Municipal Police Act authorized a 1,200-officer force, but disputes delayed its implementation. The city was divided into districts with courts and station houses, and in 1853, the department introduced its signature navy blue uniform.