New York City Police Department

While each of the cities that now make up the boroughs of New York City had their own law enforcement agencies, it was not until January 1, 1898 that the New York City Police Department was officially founded.  No true archives of the Police Dept. exists, but there are sources available to assist genealogists.  If your ancestor was a Police officer prior to 1898, you may check the Civil Lists; a set of microfilm housed at the Municipal Archives.  The Civil Lists while not complete, name City Works employees from roughly 1865 through the early 1900's.  If your officer was a force member or retired from the force anytime after 1898, you may direct you inquiries in letter form, with a self addressed stamped envelope  to:

New York City Police Department
Personnel Resource Unit
Attn: Samuel Dash
1 Police Plaza Room 1014A
New York, NY 10018



New York City Fire Department

In addition to the civil list of city personnel at the Municipal Archives, the New York City Fire Dept, maintains personnel records dating well back into the 19th century.  For information on former fire-fighters, please direct your inquiries along with a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

New York City Fire Department
Attn: Personnel - Ms. Washington
250 Livingston Street
New York, NY 11201



Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

515 Malcolm X Boulevard
(212) 491-2200

This branch of the New York Public Library contains more than five million items in it's collections. The center is one of the finest research facilities in the world for the study of Black history, culture and genealogy.



Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society - Jean Sampson Scott Chapter

P. O. Box 123
Brooklyn, NY 11212

The Greater NY AAHGS Chapter meets the second Saturday of every month from September to June at the Countee Cullen Library (136th St. btwn Lenox and 7th Aves.) Look here soon for a link to the JSSGNY-AAHGS home page.