Reformers did win in 1894 , and Roosevelt undertook a major reform of the New York City Police Department in 1895 -- 97 during his term as President of the Police Commissioners .
Roosevelt lost his mayoral race in 1886 .
Reformers did win in 1894 , and Roosevelt undertook a major reform of the New York City Police Department in 1895 -- 97 during Roosevelt 's term as President of the Police Commissioners .
Roosevelt lost his mayoral race in 1886 .