About Us

A law enforcement presence within the Village of Dobbs Ferry dates back to 1873 when Lawrence Boyle was appointed to the position of Police Constable. At the initial time of his appointment the Village was unable to provide him the funds to purchase a uniform. He was allotted 50 cents a month to purchase kerosene to light the only two lanterns located on Main Street. By 1879, the Dobbs Ferry Constabulary had added William Boyle, Charles Francis, Timothy Cullinan, Thomas Eaton, Anthony Grancy, and Charles Hauptman to its ranks.

It was not until June 19, 1922, that the Dobbs Ferry Village Board unanimously votes on and approves the formation of the Village of Dobbs Ferry Police Department. Captain Patrick Costello is promoted to the position of Chief of Police at a salary of $150.00 a month. Peter Rodgers, Edward Fay, and Edward Coffey were all officially appointed to the position of Police Officer at a salary of $130.00 a month. The Dobbs Ferry Police Department has gradually grown to its current authorized strength of 28 Police Officers. The department is currently led by Betsy J. Gelardi. Chief Gelardi is the first female police officer in Westchester County to rise through the ranks and attain the position of Chief. Under her guidance the Dobbs Ferry Police Department is well positioned to handle the challenges facing law enforcement today and to provide excellent police service to the residents of the Village of Dobbs Ferry.