How were police officers known by the citizens during the period of 1900-1940?

During the period of 1900-1940, police officers were primarily known to citizens by the area they worked. This approach was typical of the community-focused policing style that characterized this era, where officers often became familiar figures within specific neighborhoods. The strong local presence allowed officers to build relationships and trust with community members, which was essential for effective policing.

While uniforms and vehicles were important for identification, they did not distinctly connect officers to the communities they served as effectively as their designated areas did. As a result, the relationship between officers and the residents was more personal and based on geographic familiarity rather than purely on rank or a uniformed appearance. Understanding this context highlights how policing aimed to integrate officers into the fabric of community life during these decades.