1900's to 1910's | 1920's to 1930's | 1940's to 1950's
1960's to 1970's | 1980's to 2000's | Who Served
The South Amboy Police Department has a rich history reflective of the American policing experience. Three distinct phases can be found in the department's history; progressive, political, and civil service. Each time period is influenced by similar factors to that of the national level.
The progressive era took place in the 1920's. Foresight and a moral code mark this time period. The department instituted policies and procedures not widely embraced in policing at the time. Many ideas seen in the South Amboy Police Department would later become standard practices nationwide.
The political era shaped the 1940's and 1950's. Political influence in the hiring process, combined with a lack of minimum standards, created conflict. The conflict was only exacerbated by outside influences. Problems became worse when officers' conduct came into question and forced people from office.
Civil service of the 1960's and 1970's shaped the modern department of today. The neutralizing of political influence combined with standardized competitive exams highlight this time frame.
The history clearly shows a close relationship between the department and the community. Most of those who have been members of the department have been born and raised in South Amboy. That close relationship, while sometimes causing difficulty, has for the most part been positive.
For all the change that has taken place over the last 104 years in South Amboy, the Police Department remains committed to the community it serves.
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Research for this section provided courtesy of Jim Ryan
