In New Jersey, municipal police protection was typically provided by a single appointed or elected marshal until the mid 19th century. It wasn’t until Aug. 1, 1866, that the City of Paterson formed the state’s first officially-designated police department. That year, Paterson officials hired two officers at an annual rate of $500 each.

New Jersey cities large and small followed suit, forming departments to meet their needs. In more rural areas, where smaller towns might not be able to support independent departments, county sheriffs provided protection and law enforcement services, an arrangement that continues to this day.

Protection of the state’s citizens continued to shore up in 1921 when the New Jersey State Police was founded with H. Norman Schwarzkopf Sr. named the first superintendent.

Today, the state is home to 25 county sheriff and police departments, 22 corrections agencies, 18 college and university agencies, four park ranger departments as well as the police departments protecting and serving the hundreds of municipalities in the state.

Here’s a look back at the people in blue that keep us safe. Be sure to click on the captions button to read even more about these historic photos.