The Marblehead Police Department, headed by Chief Robert Picariello, was founded in 1853 and is recognized as one of the oldest police departments in the United States.  To display its proud heritage, Marblehead PD even has its own museum in the Old Town House where the original headquarters was once located.  In 1961, it was relocated to its current location on Gerry Street. Visitors to the police department's section of the Marblehead town website can learn more about the museum hours and the police department's various programs, including crime tips, weapons and ammo disposal, the North Shore Drug and Anti-Crime Task Force, and the North East Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council.

The department's mission statement is as follows:  

"The Marblehead Police Department is committed to the protection of lives and property and enhancing the safety and peace of the community for which we serve. Our goal is to maintain the highest standard of professionalism and to preserve the individual rights and liberties of the public, while serving the needs of our citizens. We are dedicated to a cooperative effort with the community to identify and address concerns, reduce the fear of crime and to enhance the quality of life of our residents."