Dating back to the days of the Wild West, Salinas has had a violent history. From the late 1890s, when the first night watchmen patrolled the streets on foot and without training or weapons, to the state-of-the-art department of 2005, the exceptional men and women who framed the early department are the subjects of many of the legends told in this history. Mae Eisemann was the first policewoman in Salinas and the first female to have a foot patrol in California. As such, she forged the way for other females in law enforcement. The rise of a detective division, the many personalities of the different chiefs, politics and finance are all part of the history of the Salinas Police Department. Most of these stories have never been told outside the department and with their telling comes a responsibility to the memory of fallen officers, an enlightenment for those who serve today, and an opportunity for healing for many families.
Filled with both comedic and tragic episodes, the book details the history not only of the department, but of her officers and non-sworn personnel through the years. Recounting the many heroic acts of officers, it also tells of personal tragedy and gives a voice to those who are unable to tell their stories themselves.
