Summit's first police officer was hired in 1879. His duties included lighting the many kerosene lamps around the city. The police force today consists of more than 40 officers providing protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Robert Lucid has been chief of police since 2004. He started as a Summit patrolman in 1975. W. Paul Kelley is deputy chief of police. He joined the Summit force in 1983.

The patrol division is led by Lt. Robert Weck and Lt. Dennis VanNatta. The juvenile division is headed by Detective Sgt. Thomas Rich. Lt. John Dougherty heads the traffic and special services bureau.