Compiling a list of past Moorhead Chiefs of Police required using a variety of sources, particularly newspaper reports of Mayoral elections and City Council activities.

Until the Civil Service regulated the hiring of Police Chiefs in 1933, the Mayor filled the position by appointment, with approval by the Council. Note that the "musical chairs" of the 1880's-1930's for the most part ends with the institution of the Civil Service.

Another challenge is the "Acting Chiefs." Their addition before 1933 was problematic as some served for a couple of months after a resignation or removal until a new Chief might be appointed. But others were named for a few days or a couple of weeks while the Chief was out of town. Acting Chiefs are not listed here unless they served for at least a couple of months.

NOTABLE MOMENTS IN MOORHEAD POLICE HISTORY:

When Moorhead became a city in 1881, M.E. Eustis became the first chief of police. During his tenure as Chief there occurred a few irregularities in the city's routine of business. On April 6, 1882, a grand jury brought an indictment against Chief Eustis for embezzlement. There had been a robbery at the Bramble House which netted the robber $103. He was apprehended and the money confiscated, but the chief neglected to turn the money over to the court.

According to the Moorhead Evening News, on July 1, 1883 "The City fathers and guardians of the citizen's welfare decided to turn the convict labor, which whiskey and judicious police kept the city well supplied with, to the betterment of the city's thoroughfares, thus saving the city a large expense."

In August 1883, Moorhead's policemen demanded an increase in salaries. On August 6 the city council met to consider the matter but took no action. The next morning the policemen marched to the city hall and laid down their arms, leaving the city without police protection. Since there were no officers, one of the commissioners had to take the "chain gang" out for exercise. One of the boys made a break for liberty and Dakota, achieving both. A special meeting was held by the council and the policemen were given $10 a month raise. They returned to their jobs and equilibrium was restored.

On October 17, 1888, Officer Peter Poull Jr. was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a murder suspect wanted in North Dakota. The suspect was being watched by other officers. When the suspect saw the other officers he approached them and abducted them at gunpoint. Officer Poull was notified of the incident and went to the scene on 8th Street. When the suspect saw him he opened fire, striking Officer Poull. The suspect then exchanged shots with the other officers, was wounded, and taken into custody. The man was convicted twice of murdering Officer Poull and was executed on September 20, 1889. Officer Poull was survived by his wife, 2-week-old daughter, and mother.

When Tom Murphy became chief in 1898, the police made their "flying trips" on bicycles; however, "not all of the policemen were regular riders."

On February 17, 1899, Officer Alexander (Sandy) McLean was killed when a chimney collapsed on top of him. He was on patrol when he came upon a burning building. The chimney collapsed as he attempted to keep a crowd a safe distance from the building. Officer McLean was survived by his wife and six children.

On December 6, 1930, Officer Roy Larson was shot and killed while chasing a robbery suspect who had been involved in shootouts with two other officers during the chase. Officer Larson encountered the man in some coal sheds on First Avenue North and was shot twice in the head before he had time to draw his gun. The suspect then attempted to kill himself but the bullet proved to not be fatal. The man was arrested and sentenced to life. Officer Larson had been with the agency for one year and was single.

In 1933 the police department was placed under a civil service plan to conform to the law passed by the state legislature.

Plans and hopes for a new jail facility had been going on since 1943, to replace the decrepit building at Fourth Street, north of Center Avenue. The jail was officially closed in July 1966 and arrangements were made with the Clay County Law Enforcement Center at 807 North Tenth Street to house city prisoners. The old building was still used as police headquarters, with some remodeling.