By Mike Simmons
Formerly known as Special Officers, the Detective Bureau has always been a vital part of the Pensacola Police Department. As glamourous as television and the movies make the position out to be, it is stressful, busy…and full of completing reports. Their tools? A badge, a gun, handcuffs, a pen and notepad, and a fedora (dress hat).
In 1956, Pensacola Police Officers moved their headquarters from 407 S. Jefferson Street to their new building at 40 S. Alcaniz Street. They would call it home for 31 years. Not long after they moved in, this photo of the detective bureau was made at the front entrance of the new headquarters. Some of the people in the photo are, L-R: First row: unknown, Oscar “Smiley” Caperton, unknown, Blanche Archer, Clyde Lewis, unknown. Second Row: unknown, Red Dixon, James Davis, Captain Madsen. Third Row: Buddy Peake, unknown, Ed Lawhorn, Clyde Touart, unknown, Aldo Rasponi, JT Harper
Not much different from today. Maybe bring back the Fedoras…