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Metropolitan Police Department

The Metropolitan Police Department has been Washington’s city police force since 1861, when Congress established it to maintain order in a capital suddenly flooded with soldiers and refugees. These posts explore the MPD’s history, from its Civil War origins and the colorful officers who defined its early years to the crime waves and reforms that shaped modern policing in DC.

Bathing Suit Police at the Tidal Basin

April 27, 2026February 13, 2023 by ghostsofdc
Beach Policeman (1922)

The photograph is Washington police officer Bill Norton measuring the distance between the knee and the swimsuit.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags Landmarks, Metropolitan Police Department, Sports, Tidal Basin 8 Comments

Where to Find Fire and Police Stations in Washington in 1880?

December 8, 2021May 30, 2014 by ghostsofdc
Fire and Police Station location s in 1880

Explore an old map of Washington in 1880 and discover the exact locations of the fire stations and police stations. Learn about the history of the city through this fascinating map.

Categories GoDCers Love Maps Tags 1880s, Metropolitan Police Department 5 Comments

Which President Got a Speeding Ticket on a Horse?

April 27, 2026March 4, 2014 by ghostsofdc

In 1866, Washington police officer William West stopped President Ulysses Grant for driving his horse too fast near the White House, confiscated the buggy, and sent the president home on foot.

Categories Notable People & Places, The Best Of Tags 1860s, 1870s, Metropolitan Police Department, Politics, Ulysses S. Grant 1 Comment

Finally Found Another Photo of Officer Sprinkle!

January 4, 2023November 27, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Fascinating article of our blog’s favorite hero Officer Sprinkle.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1900s, Metropolitan Police Department, Officer Sprinkle, The Evening Star

The Amazing Photo of Officer Sprinkle and His Brother

February 16, 2022November 25, 2013 by ghostsofdc

Thanks to a tweet, we came across an amazing photo of Officer Sprinkle and his brother from the National Law Enforcement Museum’s blog. Check it out!

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags Metropolitan Police Department, Officer Sprinkle 1 Comment

Remembering Raymond B. Sprinkle – The Son of Officer Sprinkle

October 27, 2021November 7, 2013 by ghostsofdc
Washington Post obituaries - January 4th, 1933

Remembering Raymond B. Sprinkle, the beloved son of Police Officer Sprinkle. His obituary was recently shared by long-time GoDCer John. Read about the mass & interment with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Categories A Personal Story Tags 1930s, Metropolitan Police Department, Officer Sprinkle 2 Comments

A Metropolitan Policeman Arrested for Armed Robbery in Washington D.C. in 1972

October 26, 2023August 15, 2013 by ghostsofdc
this is a gun

In March 1972, a metropolitan policeman was arrested in Washington D.C. and charged with the armed robbery of a practical nurse at the George Washington University Hospital. Read the incredible story here!

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1970s, Metropolitan Police Department

A Wild Story We Dug Up From The Washington Post: A Storybook Arrest On June 5th, 1938

June 27, 2013 by ghostsofdc
1938 policeman from New Mexico

This is a wild story we dug up from the Washington Post. It was published on June 5th, 1938 and features a storybook arrest; two automobiles were struck by the fleeing motorist! With a photo from 1938, you can get a feel for the era

Categories From the Crazy Vault Tags 1930s, Metropolitan Police Department

A Fascinating Photograph From the 1920s: Policeman Chatting With Driver and Young African-American Passenger

April 28, 2026April 23, 2013 by ghostsofdc
policeman having coffee

Take a look at this fascinating photograph from the 1920s: a policeman is seen having a chat with the driver of a car and his passenger, a young African-American man.

Categories Faces & Places of Yesterday Tags 1920s, Metropolitan Police Department
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