The earliest known policeman in Saratoga Springs was Joseph Bliven, who was a village constable in 1827. By 1887, Saratoga Springs had grown to a point where a Police Department was needed to ensure law and order.  An act of the State Legislature created the Saratoga Springs Police Department on April 26, 1887. On June 1, 1887, eight men marked their first official work day in the new department.  At that time, a Chief and two officers worked days and an Assistant Chief and four officers worked nights.  During the summer the city population tripled, and the police force would increase to twenty-four officers.

Police HQ was built in 1887 as a brick building that formed an annex to town hall. The department still resides in the same location, expanding out into other portions of the building as its staff grew in numbers.

Today, sixty five sworn police officers make up the ranks of the police department.  In support of the police officers are ten dispatchers, two Parking Enforcement Officers, and other civilian support staff.  The police department is divided into three main components; the Patrol Division, Investigations Division, and Traffic Division.

The Patrol Division consists of uniformed police officers and supervisors who patrol city streets to prevent and detect crime, answer calls, and respond to situations. Patrol Division is divided into three main shifts offering round-the-clock protection to the public.

The Traffic Division consists of uniformed officers who manage traffic and respond to motor vehicle accidents, and includes officers trained in reconstructing accidents and commercial vehicle enforcement.

The Investigations Division consists of plain clothes Investigators and supervisors who investigate major crimes occurring in the city. The division is divided into three units; Criminal Investigations, Special Investigations and the Juvenile Aid Unit.