About

The Belmont Police Department, like the departments of other cities and towns, had a very small beginning. In the 1870's, Belmont was gaining a reputation
among hobos as a "Tramp's Paradise." The residents were generous. They provided food for hundreds of tramps coming and going from Boston and it soon got to be quite a problem.

So in 1877, at a cost of $5,400, the town built a 12 room "Tramp House and Stable" with five jail cells in the basement on six acres of land on Concord Avenue where Stewart Terrace is today. David Chenery, Jr. was named Roadmaster and Constable. Thus, in effect, he became the first Superintendent of Highways and Police Chief, and he moved into the new building which can be considered the first police station and jail