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The decade of 1930 opened with the city showing a population of 111,000 and at the close of the decade showed only a very modest increase in population to 114,966. The 1930’s saw the onslaught of the Great Depression nationwide; and in the Midwest, the dust bowl and heat brought additional hardships to the city. Agricultural prices fell below production costs and both sales and personal income declined markedly.
When the Wichita Eagle ran an article on August 21, 1931, about a new radio system being allowed in the 1932 police budget at a cost of $ 9,753.58 there was a move to reduce salaries to pay for equipment. It was believed that the introduction of a police radio system would reduce crime.
The year 1934 was big for police as $45,929 in fines were collected. This represents a $17,000 increase over 1933, indicating business is better; 4,382 persons were convicted in police courts and 678 were found not guilty. In 1933, there were 3,192 convicted. The vice squad alone grabbed 692 gallons of whiskey, 295 gallons of alcohol, 107 gallons of brew, 29 gallons of wine, 1040 gallons of mash and 107 gallons of ale.
From this drawing the new police department badges will be made. The design at the top of a fasces, Roman antiquity, a staff of rods with the blade of an ax protruding, figuratively the punishment signified by the weapon. Below the words in a circle are one of the scales of justice, a lightning bolt and arrow, symbolic of swift justice. Wings for the sides of the star. The badge was designed by Police Chief O. W. Wilson.
In April, 1938, the radio dispatchers and telephone operators at police headquarters were moved into new quarters on the third floor of the police station. This move eliminated one desk sergeant position which was filled by an information clerk at the desk and a turnkey who cared for the public and booked prisoners. This change was designed to increase the efficiency of the department in handling calls, recording cases and giving better service to the public. A glass window provided the public a view of the work of the radio and telephone division.
Thomas Anderson with Police Vehicle
Also included in the History Book:
O. W. Wilson
Police Radios
The Great Depression
New Police Badges
Police Quartet
Junior Patrol Started
New Police Uniforms
Texas Desperadoes
Allis Hotel
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