TRENTON POLICE MUSEUM

1970's

Historic Synopsis

1970’s With the start of the 1970’s the country saw a continuance of the racial violence which had plagued many urban cities in the 1960’s. Trenton too would witness riots, with the focal point of the disharmony centered in and around Trenton High school. Distrust of the establishment grew as the anti-war movement peeked and stories of Watergate surfaced. In California a series of gruesome murders were committed and the country was shocked when the details of these murders were learned during the trial of the Manson Family. America also witnessed the dangers of Atomic energy with the near catastrophe at Three Mile Island. Through it all the Trenton Police Department continued to grow. In 1970, John R. Prihoda was promoted to Chief of Police. Few would have thought at the time that Chief Prihoda would hold the post a full 20 years. 1972 saw the end of the two precinct police department, when construction was finished on the current Police Headquarters. In the early 1970’s federal grants were received by Trenton to implement a "Safe Streets Program". The program called for a return to Foot Patrol, a method of patrol which had dwindled significantly in the previous years, and stimulated the hiring of large numbers of officers. As the economy declined, so did the grant money and the city was forced to lay-off Police Officers. All of the officers were eventually offered their positions back and most returned.

Gallery

John R. Prihoda, sworn in as Chief
October 9, 1970
John R. Prihoda takes his oath of office, while his son Ricky Prihoda holds the bible. Chief Prihoda held the title of Chief of Police for 20 years, until his retirement in 1990.

First Precinct Officers
1970
Lt. Dombrowski holds roll-call for officers from the First Precinct.

Golf trophies
early 1970's
Pictured here, in the First Precinct building are (L-R) Officers Chick Lazzano & Rich Mount, Chief Prihoda, Officers Harold Hall & Len Dawrocki

Times of Turmoil.
early 1970's

Sergeant Ernie Williams
early 1970's

The "New" Police Headquarters

1972

In 1972, the department moved into the new Police Headquarters on North Clinton Avenue. The two precinct department which had operated for 84 years was now a thing of the past.

Docketing Desk
1972

Radio Room
1972
Dispatching had now become a three person task.

Leon Smith, promoted to Captain
March 16, 1973
Captain Leon Smith receives his new badge from Chief Prihoda. Smith became the first African American superior officer when he was promoted to Sergeant.

Director of Public Safety Awards
January 23, 1975

Bank Robbery Apprehension
mid 1970's
Officers inspect the evidence seized after the apprehension of two armed bank robbers.

Bomb Squad
April 22, 1978

Mayor Arthur Holland Chief Prihoda and Director Howard Waldon received a tour of the newly purchased bomb disposal truck. Also pictured are Bomb Squad members(L-R) Detectives Charles Betz (kneeling), Sgt. Charles Webster and Lt. Carl Warob.

Police Motorcycle
late 1970's
Motorcycles were only used for special events by the mid 1970's. This Motorcycle is on display at the Trenton Police Museum.

Not just a job,...
late 1970's
..But an adventure. Officer Don White apprehends a monkey which had escaped from the Monkey House in Cadwalader Park and found its way into a phone booth.

Honor Guard
late 1970's
The Honor Guard parades past the New Jersey State House. Leading the way is Dominic Limone.

In Memory Patrolman George L. Ambrosio

On December 8, 1979, Patrolman George L. Ambrosio, was struck and killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic at an earlier accident on the Trenton Freeway. As the result of the impact, Patrolman Ambrosio suffered massive injuries and died instantly.

Table of Contents

1700's	1800-1879	1880-1899
1900-1919	1920-1939	1940-1959
1960's	1970's	1980-Present
K9	Chiefs	Memorial
Guest Book		Bibliography

Persons have ANY materials relating to the history of the
Trenton Police Department, are requested to Click Here.

Direct questions or comments to curator@tpdmuseum.com

©1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 by M. Crosby Click here for more copyright information