History

 The Bismarck Police Department was established in 1874. Bismarck was called the "wickedest city in the West" and for every 1 business building, there were 15 saloons.

The first policing was done by City Marshalls between 1874 to 1880. This type of policing included 3 watchmen who were under the City Marshall. The first Chief of Police was John Longren who served from 1880 to 1883.  

Before 1907, officers would split into beats and walk around. If a civilian need police assistance, they would call Central and Central would blow the whistle for the specific beat. The officer would then go to the Central building, get the information for the call and go to scene. After 1907, a light system was established. A red light would come on in the specific area when needed. The officer would then go to the police station, get the information needed, and go to scene. During this time, officers were mainly reactive.

Before 1978, fire and police were in the same building. In 1979, the construction on the current Bismarck Police Department building was completed. Bismarck PD, District HP and Emergency Operations (CENCOM) were combined into one building. In May 2003, CENCOM moved into their own building and the District HP unit left in 2004, making the building that now stands as the Bismarck Police Department.