Department History

History of the Howell Police Department

Howell was incorporated as a village on March 14, 1863. In 1870 the first Town Marshall, H.C. Briggs was appointed and was the lone form of law enforcement for the City. In 1884 the position of Night Watchman was created in addition to the Town Marshall.

The first Chief of Police was Royd C Hardy, who was appointed in 1921 and served until 1935. Chief Hardy originally patrolled on a bicycle, the city then purchased a motorcycle for $250 and a year later, a Ford Roadster for $500. The speed limit on Grand River at the time was 8 mph. Prior to purchasing the motorcycle and Roadster, Chief Harding chased speeders on foot or on his bicycle.

Over the years the department continued to grow to include a large auxiliary and reserve program in addition to full time officers.  Both auxiliary and reserve programs were discontinued due to budget constraints. The present-day department consists of a Chief, Deputy Chief, four Sergeants, nine Officers, a Records Technician, and an Administrative Assistant. Officers take part in the Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team (LAWNET) and the Livingston Regional SWAT team. The department includes a Patrol Investigator position and a School Resource Officer. Officers drive Ford Police Interceptors with the current speed limit on Grand River ranging between 25 and 50 mph throughout the city.