The First Police ordinance authorizing the office of a marshal in the Borough of Bradley Beach was passed on April 19, 1893. The first marshal, Charles A. Bennett was appointed that same month and assigned to work six months of day shifts and six months of night shifts.

The first sworn Chief of Police was Charles J. Poland who served from 1935 to 1950. The second Chief of Police was Robert E. Farry from 1950 to 1951, at which time he was elected as a borough commissioner. The third Chief of Police was Harvey T. Gaunt who was appointed chief in 1951 and served in that capacity until his retirement on December 31, 1971. The fourth Chief of Police was Eugene T. Myles who was appointed in 1972 and served until 1988. Alfred E. Trimble was the next chief serving from 1988 to 1992. Then Robert DiNardo from 1992 through 2006. The current Chief of Police is Leonard A. Guida appointed in January 2007.

The operation of the police department has changed dramatically through the years, from foot patrols and "on the beat cop" to the use of bicycle patrols and marked police vehicles. The Bradley Beach Police Department currently has five marked police vehicles outfitted with the latest equipment such as mobile computer terminals, video camera recorders, speed radar units and a life saving CPR/defibrillator packs.

As the Borough has grown, so has the police department. The department currently has eighteen full time officers. The structure o fthe department has grown as well, with officers assigned to the detective bureau, bicycle patrol, traffic safety, community services and the D.A.R.E. Program.