This beginning period set the basic frame work for what is now called "Community Policing", in the truest sense of the word.  Officers lived in the area to which they were assigned.  They primarily worked out of their own homes, except for time spent monitoring the various police lockups.  One often overlooked yet crucial function of the night shift patrol officer was to detect any fires and spread the alarm so fire fighting efforts could be started immediately.

The town meeting held on March 7, 1892 heralded the entry of the Framingham Police Department into the modern age of Law Enforcement, both as an organization and as a profession.  The citizen's of Framingham realized the need and commitment for a modern full time police department, led by a professional manager, a Chief of Police. During this time period, enforcement of the liquor laws and managing the "tramp" problem were the two primary areas of focus.  In the early 1900's saw the first major technological advancement with the request and installation of police call boxes to monitor the officers.