The History of the

Brunswick Police Department

The Brunswick Police Department has a long tradition of providing protection of lives and property to the citizens of the city of Brunswick.  The department has the primary responsibility for enforcing city ordinances as well as state traffic and criminal laws within the city.

Louis Edward Gill, circa 1890

Early BPD Badge

Brunswick Police Department, 1922

 Mounted Police Officers, 1923

Under the original city charter of 1838, the person in charge of the original city law enforcement agency was "the sheriff" so there was a city sheriff and a county sheriff.  One of the duties of the city sheriff and his constables was to apprehend violators who discharged weapons on Sundays.  The fine for the first offense was $2.00.  Under the present charter of 1856, the Brunswick Police Department head became the Chief of Police, also known as the Marshal, and was elected each January (along with an Assistant Chief) by the City Commission.  In January of 1890, the pay for Chief was set at $1,200.00 per year and the Chief was to maintain his horse at his own expense.  The salary for the one mounted officer that year was $2.00 per day and 35 cents per day for horse feed.  Walking patrol officers were also paid $2.00 per day.    

Original 1896 Arrest Warrant, Page 1, Page 2

Early Chief Marshals for 

the City of Brunswick

1940 Department Photograph

1948 Department Photograph

2001 Department Photograph

Police Chiefs, 1919 to Present

Police Headquarters

206 Mansfield Street

The current police station was built in 1939 with an additional wing added in the early 1970's.  The old jail portion of the station remained until the early 1980's when the  bars were finally cut out.  The renovation provided office space for investigative and training personnel and training classrooms. 

A New Chapter...

Construction of a new police facility (funded by SPLOST) has been approved by the City Commission and the firm Architects Design Group, Inc. of Winter Park has been chosen to design and oversee construction of the project.  Architects have completed a space needs assessment and function plan for the building and are in the process of drawing detailed construction plans.  Current plans are to locate the new building directly south of the current police headquarters and to connect the two buildings.  Many administrative functions of the department will be relocated to the new location including the Records Division which is where citizens obtain accident and incident reports.  Architects have proposed a landscaped pedestrian mall linking Queens Square, the renovated City Courthouse and the new police building.  City officials are excited about the opportunity to continue the restoration and revitalization that is happening in the downtown area into this southern quadrant.  More details regarding the department's building plans will be announced soon!