Broomfield Police Department History

1950s | 1960s | 1970s & 1980s | 1990s & Early 2000 | 2000s | Chiefs of Police

1950s

The Broomfield Police Department was formed in the 1950s to provide security in the construction and residential areas of what was then called Broomfield Heights. The first police officers, special deputies of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Department, were paid through the Sheriff’s Department and contributions solicited from residents in the community.

Visit our photo page from the 1950s.

1960s

In 1961, when the City of Broomfield was incorporated, Leonard G. Bishop was appointed the City’s first Chief of Police, and the Police Department developed in step with the community. The population was approximately 4,800.

Visit our photo page from the 1960s.

1970s & 1980s

In the 1970s and 1980s, the City of Broomfield expanded its borders annexing land into four counties: Adams, Boulder, Jefferson, and Weld. The Police Department expanded its staff significantly during this time and added many new services and programs such as a Communications Center, Neighborhood Watch, and D.A.R.E.

Visit our photo page from the 1970s and 1980s.

1990s & Early 2000

In the 1990s, the problems associated with the City of Broomfield being divided among four different counties led to a grass roots effort to form a new county. On November 5, 1998, Colorado voters agreed to allow Broomfield to secede from Adams, Boulder, Jefferson, and Weld Counties to form the City and County of Broomfield.

2000s

On November 15, 2001, the new City and County form of government began operation in Broomfield and Chief Tom Deland became the first chief of police and sheriff of the new county.  Development of Broomfield continued as the community became a destination location with the addition of many attractions such as the FlatIron Crossing shopping area and the Broomfield Event Center.  To maintain the high level of public safety expected by Broomfield residents, many new functions of the Police Department were added and expanded.

Chiefs of Police

Broomfield has had four chiefs of police since its inception in the 1950s.

Visit our photo page of Broomfield's chiefs.