[2] The Fort Worth Police Department started on April 12, 1873 when E.M. Terrell was appointed City Marshal with a force of four officers.

The force was re-established in 1876 to cope with unruly cowboys and high levels of prostitution, with Jim Courtright being instated as City Marshal with two assisting deputies.

Courtright's reputation as an Army scout and gunfighter led to an unprecedented term of nonviolence in Fort Worth.

The early 20th century saw many innovations to the FWPD, including motorcycles, traffic tickets, stoplights, and the city's first female officer.

Jeffrey Halstead, a Commander with the Phoenix Police Department, replaced Kneblick in December 2008, making him the city's 24th chief.

Officers often wear black felt (winter) or straw (summer) cowboy hats as part of the uniform (as do many other police agencies in Texas).

The Fort Worth Police Department is divided into six Patrol Divisions: Central, North, South, East, Northwest and West, each encompassing various areas of the city.

The department's Traffic Division mainly utilizes police issue BMW motorcycles and Dodge Chargers to complete its freeway enforcement duties.

[15][16] The causes of death are as follows: Fallen officers are recognized publicly at the Fort Worth Police and Firefighters' Memorial on 7th Street.