The Redding Police Department:

A Historical Perspective

The City of Redding was incorporated on October 4, 1887 and the first "City Marshall" was elected with the first board of trustees. Redding became the county seat of Shasta County in 1888. The Municipal Code of 1898 prescribed the size of the police force, duties of police (peace) officers and, with the advice and consent of the police committee, authorized the City Marshall to adopt and enforce rules and regulations for the governing of the department.

In 1902, the first demonstration of the automobile was held in Redding, and by 1906, Redding had six vehicles in the entire incorporated area. In 1919, there were 43 saloons and 3,400 people in Redding. The most-often committed crime was listed as "dishonesty." By 1920, the Redding Police Department consisted of three people - a captain, a deputy chief, and a night watchman. These three individuals handled everything from general police peace-keeping duties to acting as court baliffs to routine nighttime alleyway patrols. In the summer of 1923, the first woman was deputized for the summer to provide police services at the local swimming resort.

California's Govenor signed a bill in 1929 abolishing "Hick Titles," which decreed that "City Marshal" would henceforth be known as "Chief of Police."

Traffic problems in 1933 were so bad that one officer had to be appointed as Traffic Officer, and City Council purchased a motorcycle for traffic enforcement. By 1939, with construction of nearby Shasta Dam underway, Redding had grown to a population of nearly 7,000 residents. The Police Department had expanded to include up to 7 police officers, 2 cars, 1 paddywagon, and 1 motorcycle. As there were no police radios, when a police officer needed assistance, he was instructed to turn on his vehicle's red light and call the the Department from the nearest available telephone.

Officer Oliver "Bud" Furlong, circa 1940's. Courtesy of Lynn Shaffley, Bud's granddaughter.	Officer Bill Knight, circa 1958.	Officer Bob Pastega & K9 Duke, in 1972 .
		Officer Joe Kohn, courtesy of the Kohn family.
		Lou Gerard Auto Dealership, the eventual home of RPD.
Reprint from Time magazine, 1969. Courtesy of the Kohn family. Click it to read it!

In 1957, juvenile problems had escalated, and the first Juvenile Officer position was created. In 1960, the Department purchased it's first computer system, and in 1965 the first police dogs were put into service. The first police dispatchers were hired in 1965, freeing one officer each shift from handling dispatching and phone-related duties. In 1971, the Ride-A-Long program began, and the Explorer Post was formed. In 1972, the first police radar system was put into operation. The end of the 1970's put the Department into the new -- and current -- building, a rennovated auto dealership, on the corner of California and Shasta Streets.

Help us with our History Page!

If you or anyone you know has any photos or other historical information, please let us know. Our goal is to create a complete and descriptive history of the Redding Police Department. Appropriate credit will be given for all submissions.