In the year 1640, the area today known as Southampton Town was settled. As early as 1641, five marshals were appointed to keep order in the area. This was the beginning of the first organized police protection in the Town of Southampton.

            In 1922-23, the first two full time constables were hired, and paid a salary of $30.00 per month plus a fee for each arrest made. This was the first time uniformed patrol officers were seen in the Town of Southampton except for the New York State Troopers.

            In 1938, the policing of the Town of Southampton was separated into the West Precinct and the East Precinct. This greatly improved the efficiency of policing. Patrols were assigned to certain sectors in each precinct area rather than moving throughout the township. The expanding need of police protection in each sector, lead to the appointment of new officers as deemed necessary.

            On July 1, 1951 the Town of Southampton officially established the Southampton Town Police Department. The department consisted of 2 Captains, 2 Lieutenants, 1 Sergeant and 4 Police Officers. Today, the Southampton Town Police Department is the largest law enforcement agency on the East End of Long Island and one of the largest, Town Police Department’s, in the State with 102 members.

            The Patrolman’s Benevolent Association of Southampton Town, Inc. was officially formed May 2, 1952. The original purpose of the P.B.A. was to promote the best interest and welfare of its members, develop a friendly and fraternal spirit among them, and to inculcate in them a high sense of loyalty to each other and their duties. Today the PBA has grown into a community oriented Association.

            The PBA is currently active in many aspects of community services. Some the organizations the PBA support are the Special Olympics, Scholarships for local high schools, Police Athletic League, and the DARE Program. In addition to those organizations the PBA provides scholarships for students living in the Township seeking an education in law, Bicycle Helmets for youths, free Trigger Locks, Halloween Safety Trick or Treat Bags, food baskets to those in the community less fortunate, donations to local organizations, sponsorships to local Little Leagues and more.