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History of the NYC Housing Police

Honoring the proud men and women who served (1952-1995)

This page celebrates the New York City Housing Authority Police Department and the proud men and women who served during its 43-year history, providing safety and security to over 500,000 residents in 350 public housing developments.

The Beginning (1934-1952)

In 1934, under the authority of the NYS Public Housing Law, the NYCHA was established. Housing Authority developments quickly began to sprout up around the five boroughs of New York City. It didn't take long for the City Fathers to realize that these developments provided unique policing challenges. The initial response was a simple one - the formation of a security guard corps with individual guards assigned to specific developments.

Formation of the Police Service (1952)

In December of 1952 the NYCHA Police Service was formed. Initially, the officers assigned to this new group were designated as "special patrolmen." This designation gave them limited police powers, including the authority to effect arrests and to carry firearms while on duty.

Full Police Status (1958-1966)

In 1958, legislation was enacted making members of the Housing Police sworn police officers, with full peace officer status. Subsequently, in 1966, the state legislature designated the Housing Police a duly constituted Police Department with broad arrest powers.

The PSA Concept (1978)

The Department established the Police Service Area (PSA) concept in 1978. Based on the number of calls for service, available personnel, and geographical area served, nine PSAs were established covering all public housing developments in the City. The PSAs were essentially precinct-type operations, with officers reporting to one of the nine locations.

The Modern Era

The establishment of the PSAs marked the beginning of the modern era of the Housing Police Department. The Department had Patrol Bureau, Detective Bureau, Internal Affairs Bureau, Support Service Bureau, and Personnel Services Bureau components. Specialized units included:

  • Patrol Bureau: Project Stabilization Units, Narcotics Units, Anti-Crime Units, Bicycle Units, Emergency Rescue Units
  • Detective Bureau: Homicide/Major Case Squad, Robbery Squad, Burglary Squad, Warrant Squad, Elevator Vandalism Squad
  • Internal Affairs Bureau: Special Investigation Unit, Civilian Complaint Review Unit
  • Support Services Bureau: Motor Pool (over 200 vehicles)
  • Personnel Services Bureau: Police Academy Unit, Firearms Training Unit, Driver Training Unit

Growth and Legacy

In the span of 43 years, the Department grew from its humble beginnings of 47 sworn officers in December 1952, to a highly professional, diverse Department of over 2,700 sworn personnel in 1995 - making it the largest and most professional Housing Police Department in the world.

The Merger (May 1, 1995)

On May 1st, 1995, the New York City Housing Authority Police Department was merged into the New York City Police Department and now exists in spirit in the NYPD Housing Bureau.

Our Lodge Today

The NYS FOP Housing Police Silver & Gold Lodge #997 continues to honor this legacy, serving over 500 active and associate members from 20 states across the nation. We remain dedicated to supporting our brothers and sisters in law enforcement through fellowship, advocacy, and mutual aid.