Michael L. Stark - Redondo Beach Police Department

This c . 1880 view is looking south across the 100 block of North Alameda Avenue, later named Pacific Avenue. The tent in the background is on Emerald Street and is the location where city hall was built. (Photograph courtesy of Redondo Beach Historical Commission.)

The casino is seen from the water in the 1890s. Gambling was prevalent and was one of the concerns of the newly incorporated city. Ordinances were passed, but backroom operations were ongoing. With the Depression of the late 1920s, gambling made a come back with an ordinance that allowed it along El Paseo Street between Emerald and Diamond Streets. By 1940, the gamblers had been driven out, but carnival games and bingo remained. World War II ended any operations that still existed. (Photograph courtesy of Redondo Beach Historical Commission.)

The Redondo Beach Police Departments ranks increased from three to five officers in 1914 to police the 3,300 residents of the city. They were also referred to as deputy marshals or constables during this period. In the above photograph are, from left to right, Redondo Beach city marshal Ely Mosier; officers George Gipe, John V. Henry, and S. W. Kiracofe; and motorcycle officer Johnie Alder. (Photograph courtesy of Redondo Beach Historical Commission.)

Motorcycle officer Harry M. Petersen sits atop his c . 1918 police motorcycle. Motorcycle patrol began in 1914 as a result of an automobile race in the city, which drew residents from Los Angeles and other South Bay cities to the community. Newspaper accounts reported that traffic congestion jammed the downtown section from one end to the other.

Shortly after the beginning of the 19th century, bathing suit morality became an issue across the country. In this photograph, a number of female sun worshipers are being escorted from the beach by members of the RBPD due to the hemlines of their bathing suits being deemed too high. (Photograph courtesy of Redondo Beach Historical Commission.)

This newspaper headline from July 1920 tells the story of Chief John Henry capturing one of three bandits who robbed a Burbank bank and shot one customer. The article also mentions that officer Harry M. Petersen assisted with the arrest. Chief Henry inaugurated the departments first formal Identification and Records function. This unit organized reports, criminal records, and other important data, which Henry said were previously just scraps of paper.

The city and the police department were growing. In the above photograph, city officials and police department personnel posed for a publicity shot taken around 1920. From left to right are (kneeling) Judge E. H. Miller, Chief of Police John V. Henry, and Mayor George Cate; (standing) officers Charles Beebe, Fred Reeves, Fred Gardener, George Carson, and Louie Stiewell and motorcycle officer Harry M. Petersen. Petersen went on to become chief of police, and his son Harry and grandson Rick later became members of the department. (Photograph courtesy of Redondo Beach Historical Commission.)

A 1920 photograph depicts motor officer Leslie Stewart and motor sergeant Harry Petersen.