California Law Enforcement History
Sandy Nichols introduced Gary Hoving: A 34 year veteran law enforcement officer who recently retired as Chief Deputy, SLO Sheriff's Department. BA in Administration/Justice; graduate of the
In 2000, the state celebrated its 150 year anniversary. The local celebration included the gathering of former SLO County Sheriffs and some collectible artifacts. It also celebrated the publishing of Hoving's book, History of SLO County Sheriff Department. The event inspired Hoving to seek interest in forming a statewide law enforcement organization; there was support from the California Sheriff's Association and others and in 2001, the California Law Enforcement Historical Society was incorporated. Their first objective was to publish a Newsletter which has been accomplished. Their next major task is more challenging: to find a location, design and build a museum.
In the meantime, they gathered some money and had a mobile trailer museum constructed by Heacock Welding in Arroyo Grande. Taking the museum to the public has worked out well; they have traveled to several counties in
Law enforcement professionalism has developed considerably since the 1850's when, if you were big and could shoot straight, you were hired. It became a career option at the turn of the century. Following WWII, there was improved technology, fire arms, standardized uniform design; in the '60's, the drug culture, anti-war riots and anarchy behavior, the first sign of domestic terrorism drove improvements and standards in law enforcement.
Law enforcement training, physical requirements, education and skills have greatly improved. In 1970's women were first allowed to be on a patrol; sometimes their pay was still less and there were other discrimination actions that are no longer in place. Hoving talked about a display of law enforcement badges, including a SLO Sheriff's badge from the '30's that was silver, enamel text and, for many years, was initialed on the back by each succeeding Sheriff. Interested? Call