The documents consist of petitions, reports and resolutions to and from the Common Council covering the years 1860-1932. With the exception of petitions and law-enforcement resolutions, most of the papers concern financial requests and reports. The petitions include the original request for a regular police force in 1868. The law-enforcement resolutions are instructions to the police on enforcing the laws and ordinances. Financial resolutions concern payment of miscellaneous bills. Prisoner resolutions contain names of prisoners as well as bills for their board.

Secret service resolutions deal with money for the police chief's discretionary account. Building and equipment resolutions answer requests to maintain and improve police services. Vehicle resolutions permit major purchases of motorcycles or cars. Personnel resolutions contain lists of police officers, their salaries, accidents, discipline, and other concerns.