In 1860, there was very little law in Tucson. The population was 623 people. It was not uncommon for one man to shoot down another in the street. The residents decided that they had all of the lawlessness they could take. They adopted a code of laws and appointed Juan Elias as constable and Charles Meyer as justice of the peace. On May 8, 1864, Tucson residents appointed Jose Veremende constable and Charles Meyer, the local druggist, as justice of the peace. The two instituted a chain gang, which proved to be of enormous benefit toward maintaining the cleanliness and good repair of the town. A police department was founded in 1871; at the time, the corporate limits of Tucson were one square mile in size and the population was 3,200 people. Later that year, the first town marshal was appointed at a salary of $20 per month.