APD History
The City of Albany History
The City of Albany is located in southwest Georgia, approximately 170 miles south of Atlanta, 90 miles southwest of Macon, and 90 miles southeast of Columbus. It is located in Dougherty County, which spans approximately 27 miles east to west and 13 miles north to south, covering a total area of 334.7 square miles. The City consists of 57 square miles, with a 2000 Census-reported population of 76,939, compared to 78,122 in the 1990 Census.
The City was founded in 1836 by Nelson Tift, who hoped that the settlement's location along the Flint River would lead it to become a trade center like Albany, New York. Instead, Albany grew first to incorporate several plantations in the area and then became a rail center by the turn of the century. Today, Albany serves as the thriving center of southwest Georgia.
The Albany Police Department History
The origin of law enforcement in Albany can be traced to the election of I.M. Cooper as Marshall, on January 10, 1837. He resigned almost immediately for unknown reasons, and another election was held. On January 14, 1837, A.L. Davis was elected and sworn in.
An ordinance was established on January 7, 1891, that called for the establishment of a police force in the City of Albany. The Albany Police Department was established on January 12, 1891, with R.N. Westbrook as the Chief of Police. The Department consisted of one Chief, one Deputy Marshal, and four police officers. The Marshal or Chief received a salary of $1,000 per year. A police officer's salary was $60 per year. The City furnished each officer two uniforms for $25 each.
As more research is conducted into the Department's history, we will add history to this page. If you have any information or memorabilia on the Albany Police Department's history, we would appreciate it if you share it with us (see "Museum Items Wanted " section)
Museum Items Wanted
If you have any memorabilia or historic artifacts that relate to the Albany Police Department's law enforcement history and would like to donate them, please call 229-431-2100.
