History of the Police Department

Ripon Police Department	Protect, Serve, and Maintain our Quality of Life

259 N. Wilma Avenue, Ripon, CA 95366 (in San Joaquin County) Business Phone: (209) 599-2102

Our History...

A group of school children have their picture taken with a Ford Mainline,
circa 1951 - 1955.

If you have information about any photos on this page, please email information@cityofripon.org

The City of Ripon was incorporated in 1945. The first Police Chief, Avon Graham, was appointed on February 1, 1946. Chief Graham was paid $150.00 per month and received five cents a mile to use his private vehicle.

Harry Miner, the City's first patrolman, was hired in May of 1946. Chief Graham, citing dissatisfaction with the law enforcement program, resigned his position in June of the same year. Patrol Miner's salary was increased to $200.00 per month, provided he was available and on call 24 hours per day and would be directly responsible to the Acting Police Commissioner.

Supply shortages during the war made it difficult for Patrolman Miner to acquire needed equipment, such as a siren, for the fledgling department. Patrolman Miner did purchase a desk, chairs, and phone for the jail, as well as a typewriter, a pair of hand cuffs, and a coal-burning stove. Patrolman Miner dealt mostly with petty crime and juvenile delinquency.

The vehicle in this photo is a 1972 Dodge Polara. The carport has been removed, but the jail building is still in downtown Ripon.

The first Ripon Police Department and jail were located in the alley behind what is now known as the Ripon Fitness Center on Main St. You still can see the bars on the windows. In 1978 there were seven sworn positions. The population of Ripon was approximately 2,500. City Hall shared a building with the Ripon Municipal Court on First St.

The move to the Ripon Fire Department in 1980 was a great improvement for the Department. In 1988 there were 9 sworn positions and the population was approximately 3,500. The town and the Department were on the verge rapid growth and space in the Police Department and City Hall was already limited. Plans began to build the present day City Hall and Police Department now located at 259 N. Wilma Ave.

RPD Today...

"We're Committed to Excellence..."

The move to the present building in 1990 brought the Department into a new era. Authorized for 21 sworn positions and 3 community service officer positions, the Ripon Police Department prides itself on staying on the cutting edge of the law enforcement arena. The department strives to reach the highest professional standards in the State of California. Leadership, extensive training, and excellent equipment, enable the officers to achieve the standards required by department.

NYPD Police Memorial

The Ripon Police Department is open
24 hours a day,
and is located at 259 N. Wilma Ave,
next to the Town Square Shopping Plaza.

Inquires may be directed to:

Ripon Police Department
259 N. Wilma Ave.
Ripon, CA 95366
(209)599-2102

Emergencies dial 911

Copyright, 2001 - All rights reserved - City of Ripon,
County of San Joaquin, California

The information contained in these pages was considered correct at the time of publication. The City of Ripon reserves the right to make changes at any time and without notice, and assumes no liability for damages incurred directly or indirectly as a result of errors, omissions or discrepancies.

For questions or comments regarding this web page,
please contact:
information@cityofripon.org