History

1855 – Nightwatch is established in the Village of Jamestown with the primary responsibility of fire surveillance.

1886 – The Village of Jamestown transitioned into the City of Jamestown. An editorial in the “Jamestown Evening Journal” of April 16, 1886, emphasized the need for a Chief of Police who would take action to curb rowdyism in the evening streets. James Murray was appointed as the Chief of Police, and the police force was initially composed of six officers.

1915 – Officer George Kendall became the 1st and only member of the Jamestown Police Department to be killed in the line of duty. Officer Kendall and his partner responded to a report of a double shooting over the Majestic Theatre. Kendall was shot twice by a drunk and angry Fred Shaver who had earlier killed his father and step-mother.

1999 – Drug Enforcement Officer David Mitchell was critically wounded in the line of duty when he was shot in the face upon his arrival at a scheduled meeting with a known drug informant. Unbeknownst to the informant, Sergeant Scott DePietro had accompanied Mitchell and was able to return fire and call for emergency medical assistance for David. Officers from across the southern tier responded to the scene, and the perpetrator was captured a short time later without further incident. Officer Mitchell continues to undergo medical treatment as of this writing. In recognition of their bravery, Sergeant DePietro and Officer Mitchell were awarded the department’s Medal of Valor for their actions that day.

Today – Currently, the department is led by Chief Tim Jackson, overseeing a force of 60 officers divided into two divisions: Patrol & Investigative.