Our modern Police Department had it's inception in the Village Protective Association formed in the early 1890's following a rash of robberies. The organization hired a man to do patrol work, with all members expected to turn out in emergencies.

In 1897, Peter Pulis became the first Chief of Police and the only member of the "department". Two more men were added to the force in 1903, then a clerk, and in 1914, a police dog. By 1916,the police staff had increased to ten.

Prior to the acquisition of it's first police car in 1921,equipment included two stop-and-go traffic signals for use on Sundays and holidays, and a few bicycles. In 1929, the detective bureau was establishedand by 1934, Ridgewood was linked with a county-wide radio alarm network.

The Ridgewood Police Department currently consists of 43 sworn officers and 7 civilian employees. It operates vehicles in the patrol, detective, and intelligence divisions. The department was computerized in 1988.