Before the age of smartphones and body cams, policemen patrolled the streets with a sense of duty and presence that defined an era. From their iconic uniforms to the classic vehicles they drove, these photos capture the essence of an earlier time in policing, one where officers were a fixture of every community and their influence stretched far beyond the badge. In an age before technology took center stage, the connection between officers and civilians was deeply personal, with patrolmen often known by name and trusted by those they protected. These images offer a glimpse into a world where law enforcement was not just a profession but a cornerstone of community life, rooted in respect, tradition, and service. Here are 17 vintage photos of policemen in the 20th century.
1. A police officer playing with children, Harlem, 1978.
That looks like a pretty intense game of duck, duck goose.
2. Military police in Times Square, 1941.
This photo was taken on New Year’s Eve, as 1941 turned to 1942. They must have been there to make sure the party didn’t get out of hand.
3. Denzel as an honorary police chief, 1960s.
This photo was taken on a Boys Club trip to a New York police station.
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4. I don’t think this is in your job description.
It’s going to take some serious upper-body strength to get back up there.
5. Eddie Money before the fame, 1968.
Imagine having to type all of your reports on a typewriter.
6. A police officer keeping his cool during a Haloween parade, 1980s.
You know he’s got an eye on that chainsaw with his peripheral vision.
7. The first black police officer in London, 1968.
His name was Norwell Roberts, and he was an officer from 1967 until 1997.
8. New York’s Women’s Machine Gun Squad Police, 1918.
All I’m saying is don’t get into a shootout with this squad because you’ll lose.
9. A policeman chatting with some kids by his cruiser, 1970s.
He’s got that classic ’70s cop stache.
10. Samuel J. Battle was the first black police officer in New York in 1911.
He served as a police officer from 1911 until 1941.
11. The Detroit police tug-of-war team, 1991.
What are they up against, a tractor?
12. A New York police officer writing a ticket in the early 1990s.
She is currently ruining someone’s day.
13. Icelandic police officers, 1980s.
That style of police car is awesome.
14. Officers responding to a call in Dallas, Texas, 1974.
He’s got the aviators on his chest, and he’s ready to go.
15. LAPD officers dressing up as women to catch a purse snatcher, 1960.
The purse snatcher had a long and horrible list of other crimes as well.
16. New Zealand police officer’s in the summer of 1973.
They were allowed to wear shorts due to the extremely hot weather.
17. This policeman is trying to talk to these kids, 1980s.
They are both pretending they can’t hear or see him.
