The Law Comes to Key West

Municipal law enforcement began with the incorporation of the City of Key West in 1828.  A small-town marshal was appointed, and the first jail was a converted ship's brig at the harbor's edge.  The city's population at that time totaled 421.  In 1900, the Key West Police force numbered 13 officers.

In the early years of Key West, law enforcement primarily entailed administrative duties.  The city saw only three felony convictions within its first fifty years, with two occurring on the high seas rather than within city limits.  The majority of cases presented before the court revolved around salvages linked to shipwrecks.

In the 1970s, tourism began to grow in Key West, and local law enforcement needed to begin addressing the influx of visitors and serving as a small-town police force.

In 1980, world attention focused on the exodus from Mariel, Cuba.  Key West became a crossroads, a jumping-off point for rescuers, and an entry point for many -- if not most -- of the refugees.  The Key West Police were suddenly faced with maintaining order amid an influx of people and traffic.  Federal agencies were officially responsible for the processing of refugees, and the handling and storage of boats.

The 1980s were perhaps the darkest years in the history of the police. Drug smuggling was affecting all of South Florida, and Key West was not immune.  In 1985, a few members of the police and fire departments were indicted on federal drug charges.

However, the infamy moved the department into a new era of professionalism, and the department worked to rebuild credibility with other agencies and the public.

By the early 1990s, the department was embracing the concept of community policing.  By building direct relationships between law enforcement and the community, the level of trust improved, and the crime rate dropped.

Officers became more involved, reaching out with programs like Eye on the Island, which checks on closed businesses at night, and the growing Police Athletic League, in which officers mentor kids in sports and after-school programs.

Over the past several years, Key West has emerged as a progressive and prosperous tourist community.  People from all over the world come to enjoy the warm tropical climate and laid-back way of life.  The estimated 3 million tourist visitors a year add a special challenge to our small-town police force.  However, community policing has proved successful, and crime has dropped steadily over the past decade.

The Key West Police Department continually strives to make Key West a beautiful and safe city to live and visit.  Our members endeavor to provide friendly and quality services to Key West's citizens and visitors. Community involvement has grown exponentially over the last two decades.  Our members mentor school students, provide literal dog. Pony shows to civic groups and children, participates in the Special Olympics, works closely with the Autism Society of the Keys, and so much more.