Belle Isle in Detroit in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Police Radio Dispatch
Photographed By Joel Seewald, July 23, 2017
1. Police Radio Dispatch Marker
Inscription.
Police Radio Dispatch. . During the early twentieth century, Detroit police and their criminal foes both adopted the automobile as their preferred means of transportation. To regain an advantage, Detroit police pioneered a novel use for radio. In 1921, under Commissioner William P. Rutledge, the police began experimenting with radio-equipped cars. Police shared a frequency with a commercial station and cut into its programming to dispatch patrols. On April 7, 1928, police radio operators broadcast for the first time on a dedicated frequency from this police station, which eliminated radio interference from downtown stations.
During the early twentieth century, Detroit police and their criminal foes both adopted the automobile as their preferred means of transportation. To regain an advantage, Detroit police pioneered a novel use for radio. In 1921, under Commissioner William P. Rutledge, the police began experimenting with radio-equipped cars. Police shared a frequency with a commercial station and cut into its programming to dispatch patrols. On April 7, 1928, police radio operators broadcast for the first time on a dedicated frequency from this police station, which eliminated radio interference from downtown stations.
Erected 2007 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number S529.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 7, 1928.
Location. 42° 20.418′ N, 82° 59.216′ W. Marker is in Detroit, Michigan, in Wayne County. It is in Belle Isle. Marker is on Inselruhe Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in Belle Isle Park between Central Avenue and Riverbank Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Detroit MI 48207, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 471 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on August 1, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
