The Hazleton Police Department (HPD) was created on March 15, 1871, by the Senate and The House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This Law granted the Chief Burgess of the (then) borough of Hazleton approval to appoint a suitable number of policemen for the protection of person and property, for the preservation of peace and for the execution of criminal process.

In the 150 years that followed Hazleton Police have watched over an ever-evolving City, that has now become a hub of activity and epicenter of expansion in Luzerne County. HPD has protected the citizens of Hazleton, visitors, politicians, Presidents, and Dignitaries with honor and distinction. Officers have responded to hundreds of thousands of calls for service, ranging from barking dogs to violent homicides. The department has grown into a full-service department with the resources, skills, and abilities to handle most any situation.

The Hazleton Police Department continues to forge forward into the 21^st century with advanced techniques, technologies, and tactics ready for the next 150 years.