Our History

The Police Department was formed in the late 1800's. H. F. Corielli was the first of 7 elected Chiefs of Police. The first appointed Chief was Elmer E. Corbin in 1968. Chief Corbin also has the distinction as being the longest serving Chief before retiring in 1991.
 
 Around 1936 Bellevue purchased its first police cruiser. It was a 1935 Dodge. The Department now has 11 cruisers in its fleet.
 
 The department was comprised of paid and reserve officers much like the Fire Department until 1990. In 1990 the State Legislature required that all officers in the State of Kentucky attend the basic police training academy in Richmond, Kentucky. Many small cities like Bellevue were forced to disband their reserve force because of this new law. Reserve officers had full time jobs outside of the Police Department so they were unable to devote the time needed to complete the 10 week course. Sgt. Rees, Sgt. Estepp and Ofc. Lay are all past reserve officers that were hired as full time officers.
 
 Over the years the department has grown into a highly professional organization. Bellevue is one of the only cities in Northern Kentucky to have its own crime lab. Chief Cole is in charge of the crime lab which is housed in the basement of the City building. Ofc. Wagner assists with collecting, processing and storing of evidence on any major case.
 
 The Police Department has always and will continue to work hard to provide the highest level of police services available. We are looking forward to and are preparing for the future. We welcome the challenges that new development brings but will continue to provide that small town personal service our residents have come to expect.
 
 
 PAST POLICE CHIEFS
 
 H. F. Corielli- 1890-1900
 
 John W. Ratliff- 1900-1920
 
 George C. Seither- 1920-1928
 
 Charles Egan- 1928-1935
 
 Edward G. Winter- 1935-1937
 
 Edward Hausfeld- 1938-1947
 
 Adolph H. Perry- 1948-1967
 
 Elmer E. Corbin- 1968-1991
 
 Ricky A. Sears- 1991-May 2002
 
 William D. Cole- June 2002-present