1893
The Second Jefferson County Courthouse
The Second Jefferson County Courthouse was built where the current courthouse sits. It was dubbed “The Castle on the Neches.”
1900
The Last Public Hanging
The last public handing was held on March 9, 1900 in front of the jail next to the Jefferson County Courthouse with over 4,000 people attending to watch the execution. Willie Jones was hanged for murdering his wife.
In those days, public executions were considered a special event to witness and were very popular. The last public execution was in 1936 in Kentucky.
1909
Mounted Policemen are Deployed
Policemen on horseback started patrolling Beaumont.
A new red brick building was built in 1909 to serve as a cooperative market by the City of Beaumont, but was used as a City Hall and Jail from about 1910 until 1926.
The Beaumont Police Department had a City Marshal, Deputy City Marshal, one Night Captain, one Desk Sergeant, 2 mounted policemen, 7 patrolmen, one day jailer, and one night jailer.
1912
A Police Station Upgrade
The police department built their own station at 925 Main Street, in the New Tevis Market.
1914
Motorcycles on the Police Force
BPD introduced two motorcycle patrols to the force.
The speed limit was 8 MPH in city limits, and 25 MPH in the County.
1925
Began lifetime career as a police officer at age 19. Was Chief of Detectives for Beaumont Police Department many years; Chief of Police 1923 to 1925.
Started Police Benefit Fund, increased staff from 20 to 50, and reorganized department.
Famed among lawmen for his uncanny ability to detect thieves and pickpockets, often engaged to work at Texas State Fair (Dallas), St. Louis Fair, and Madison Square Garden in New York.
Reid Tevis Joins the Force
Reid Tevis was the first Chief of Police to be given the official title of Head of Police and Head of the Detective Department.
He introduced the three eight-hour shifts, two bicycle squads to patrol at night, and 6-man traffic unit to direct traffic around town.
By the time Chief Tevis left office, BPD became nationally known for its crime fighting efficiency and low crime rate
1927
A New Station is Built
The third station was built at 200 Wall Street, where the Art Museum of Southeast Texas sits today.
1931
The Current Jefferson County Courthouse is Built
Dedication for this courthouse was held on January 17, 1932. The upper floors of the building consisted of a jail and insane ward.
1933
More Advancements
In August, the department installed radios on all motorcycles.
In October, Servi-Cars were used at the South Texas State Fair. The Beaumont Police Department was the first in the State of Texas to operate two-man Servi-Cars.
1943
Beaumont Race Riots
The Beaumont Race Riots in June of 1943 made a distinct mark in the history books. After two allegations were made against black men in Beaumont, riots broke out in predominantly black neighborhoods in the central and north parts of town.
Martial law was declared for 4 days, and a total of 206 people were arrested. 1,800 Guardsmen, 100 State Policemen, 75 Texas Rangers, along with Beaumont’s entire police department and Sheriff’s department patrolled the streets during those 4 days. Martial Law was lifted on June 20, 1943.
By the end of the incident, reports indicate that 2 black men and 1 white man were killed, injury totals were too many to count. World War II draftees waiting at the bus station account for 52 of the injured persons.
1946
Now Hiring!
There were no written or performance exams to become a BPD officer. For instance, in 1939 a man named Mr. Sylvester Garbo was hired by BPD. His interview process consisted of him playing the trombone for Chief Maddox.
New Patrolmen made $200/month (about $3,100 today). In earlier days, patrolmen made $50/month, and $1.50 commission on all convictions in court where the defendant was ordered to pay a fine.
1950
New Advancements for BPD
A new police station was built at 900 Main Street.
J.H. Mulligan is appointed as Chief of Police. He added a Juvenile Detective to the Department.
Beaumont officers could go outside city limits to make arrests on warrants for Beaumont, regarding unpaid traffic citations or more serious crimes
1952
The Meter Maids
The City installed parking meters in the downtown area. There were 4 “Meter Maids” that answered to City Hall.
1953
Buster Turner
He was one of the department’s first Black officers, and became a staple in the community. Buster was the first known black police officer to work his entire career as a Beaumont Police Officer and ultimately retire. He retired in 1988.
His starting salary was $500/month (about $5,800 today).
1955
Prowl Cars
At this point, the police department had cars painted white, and cars painted black. The black cars, called “prowl cars” were equipped with shotgun racks and a flashlight. The white cars were traffic cars.
Prowl Car officers rode in 2-man units.
1961
Willie Bauer becomes Chief of Police
William Bauer, the assistant chief, is appointed to Chief of Police by City Council. In 1965, he becomes President of the FBI National Academy Associates.
His salary was $17,500/year (around $180,000 today).
1974
A New Police Station
The current Beaumont Police Station was built for $3.5 million, and sits at 255 College Street.
This jail was built on the lowest level of the station, and would house a total of 44 prisoners. The space, now repurposed, includes 19th and 20th century photographs of the city and depicts the rich history of our police department with artifacts such as early uniforms, antique weapons and equipment, and mug shots from the 1930s.
1976
The First Female Officer
Ella Faye Hargraves Ford started as a secretary in 1973, in 1976 graduated from the police academy.
She was promoted to Sergeant in 1979, and retired in 1998.
1981
Jefferson County Courthouse Expands
The Jefferson County Annex building and jail was built. It was dedicated on June 4, 1981.
1988
An Airplane is Added to the Fleet
The Aviation Unit began with one Cessna Turbo 210/ Centurion given to BPD by the US Army.
1992
K-9s join BPD
The K-9 unit was formed under Chief Schuldt.
1993
Advancements Under Chief Scofield
Tim J. Scofield becomes Chief of Police.
Under him, the department joined the Auto Theft Task Force to target thefts happening in Beaumont. He also oversaw the created on the Community oriented Policing Unit.
