History of the Beverly Hills Police Department


In 1914, shortly after the City of Beverly Hills was incorporated, Augustus Niestrum was appointed City Marshal and Jack Munson as his Deputy. In the early days, Munson's home served as the headquarters for the City's Fire and Police Departments. In early 1915, another officer, George M. Russell, who later became Postmaster, was secured.


By 1916, Officers A. N. Geisler, a school janitor who was sworn in to protect the children and Russell Benedict were added to the force. Russell Benedict was the son of P.E. Benedict, whose land in Benedict, Franklin and Higgins Canyons was added to the community to meet the population requirement for City incorporation. When Munson retired in 1919, Charles C. Blair was appointed City Marshal, and served as both Fire and Police Chief. In 1925, after eight years in combined quarters, the Fire and Police Departments were separated.


On August 1, 1927, the Beverly Hills Police Department was formed as a municipal organization, and Blair became its first Chief of Police. The Department consisted of Blair, one captain, three lieutenants, four sergeants, four motor officers, twenty-three patrolmen and three clerks. In 1932, the Police Department moved to the Beverly Hills City Hall, where it remained until the new police facility was occupied in 1990. The current police facility is located across the street from City Hall at 464 N. Rexford Drive.

Seven men have succeeded Charles Blair as Beverly Hills Police Chief. Clinton H. Anderson's 26 years as chief (1942-1969) was the longest tenure in the Department's history; Joseph Paul Kimble's, the shortest (1969-1971). Succeeding Chiefs include Brice L. Cork (1971-1975); Edward S. Kreins (1975-1979); Lee D. Tracy (1979-1985); Marvin D. Iannone (1985 -2003); and David L. Snowden (2004-present.)

Biography of David L. Snowden

With more than 35 years law enforcement experience and after serving for more than 17 years as Chief of Police in Costa Mesa, California, Chief Snowden retired in 2003 and was appointed Beverly Hills' Chief of Police on January 1, 2004.

A graduate of California State University, Fullerton, Chief Snowden holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and is a veteran of the United States Army where he was promoted to the rank of Colonel in the California Reserve. He is past president of the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs Association, the Orange County Police Chiefs and Sheriffs Association, and served as President of the California Police Chiefs Association in 1992.

Most recently the California Peace Officers Association awarded Chief Snowden with its highest honor, The Sherman Block Law Enforcement Professional of the Year award. Throughout his law enforcement career, Chief Snowden has emphasized three major components: Care, Compassion and Professionalism.


During the week of May 13 we salute and send a special THANK YOU to the brave and compassionate Men and Women of The Beverly Hills Police Department during the Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2005 ... David Harrison Levi - Beverly Hills, CA 90210 USA