On December 1st, 1856, a bill was presented to the City Council that would strengthen the police force. The new force, led a Marshal, would consist of 397 men of the Mayor's choosing. All officers were to be given a fixed pay, a baton, a gun, and an official uniform. Baltimore would be separated into districts where police would surveil the streets at all times. The bill was approved by Mayor Swann on January 1, 1857 and went into effect March 1, 1857.