Since the early 1860’s court documents in the possession of the department show that a City Marshal was in place to handle criminal investigations and civil process. At different times a Constable and City Marshal worked together. These positions would be the precursor to a Police Chief and a Police Officer. The City Marshal was the person in charge of the department during those times. During the 1890's, law enforcement was still delegated to the city marshal who also acted as the city superintendent. City Marshal, D.E. Brines, was also responsible for the election of constables to enforce the ordinances and to serve civil process papers within the city. One constable was elected for each of the city's two wards to assist in the duties. Prior to the 1890s, the City Marshal and the Constable held the duty of working one ward each. Today, the city is divided into three wards.

Our police department has written records of the names and titles of the first law enforcement officers from 1863-1881. This information was taken from the City of St. Clair Criminal Court Docket journal of Police Justice of the Peace David D. O’Dell, a prominent figure in our city for many decades in the 19th century. This fascinating journal gives a very good flavor of the times during the mid to late 19th century in our community as our Marshals and Constables handle many similar types of complaints our officers do today. The journal shows that the City Marshal and Constable held their positions for one year and were either re-appointed or re-elected after their first year.

Although little documentation exists, it is believed that the St. Clair Police Department was officially formed in the 1920's. Since then it has been under the direction of twelve chiefs of police. The first written record of the police department was 1920. Unfortunately, in researching our history, very little in the area of archival material could be found to support this claim. Two early photos, a St. Clair Patrol wagon with City Marshal (1903-1906) James Shephard and a photo of Chief Arthur Haydens have been placed for your viewing of this webpage.

The department was commanded by its first police chief Arthur Haydens. He was not officially recognized as Chief of Police until 1923. Chief John Thompson succeeded Chief Haydens in the early 1930s after he died. Due to the lack of funding from the city, Chief Thompson had to buy his own car and have his title and department name applied to his car!

On October 11, 1962 Chief John D. MacDonald was struck by a motorist while directing traffic after a Friday night High School football game. He died the next day from his injuries. Chief MacDonald was known by the community as a fair, caring and fun loving police officer who touched everyone in his own special way. Chief MacDonald has been memorialized in the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Our officers proudly wear the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial commendation bar in his memory. He has been missed by his family and the many citizens he served in our community.

Today, The St. Clair Police Department currently has ten sworn officers who have the latest in police equipment and technology available to them. In addition to the sworn members, the department has one civilian secretary/dispatcher, one civilian administrative assistant, four police cadets, a civilian code enforcement officer and ten Reserve Officers. Each officer has a specialized field he or she is responsible for up and above their normal police duties.

The St. Clair Police Department has been under the command of Chief Donald R. Barnum for the past ten years. The department is proud of its modern, professional department and it continues to be one of the law enforcement leaders and one of the finest police departments in Michigan. The success of this department and the excellent relationship between our officers and its residents and businesses can be associated to our officers’ hard work and integrity.

Our department is seeking any form of archival material pertaining to the history of our department. If you know of or have any material you may wish to loan this department please contact us by phone or email. All materials will be promptly returned to the rightful owner. We appreciate your interest and assistance.

St. Clair City Marshals and Constables 1863-1881(view pdf)
St. Clair Chiefs of Police 1929-Present (view pdf)