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.

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.