Police Discipline One Hundred Years Ago
| Date | 01 July 1935 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X3500800307 |
| Published date | 01 July 1935 |
| Author | T. H. Spenceley |
| Subject Matter | Article |
Police Discipline One Hundred
Years
Ago
PART
II
By
T.
H.
SPENCELEY
Liverpool City Police.
"
WITH
respect to the existing [Day] Police . . . a vicious
system has long existed, and, as might therefore be
expected, thatforce, as a Body, is most inefficient and that, when
disbanded,few
of
its members will befound eligiblefor reappoint-
ment.
Of
130 men
of
the Nightly Watch, the Committee feel it
their duty to report 45 unfit for the Office and 25 whosequalifica-
tions are very doubtful."
The
above astounding criticism is quoted from the
findings of a Commission set up in accordance with the
provisions of the Municipal Reform Act, 1835, to inquire
into existing Police conditions in the Borough of Liverpool.
The
report of the Commission, instituted nearly a hundred
years ago, recommended the disestablishment of the existing
separate Day Police and Nightly Watch, and the establish-
ment of a day and night Police Force " to be denominated
,
The
Constabulary
Force',
over which the [Watch] Com-
mittee shall retain the right of appointments, direction and
dismissals as well as the hearing of all reports and complaints".
On 28th January, 1836, the findings of the Committee
were laid before the Mayor and the full Council of the Borough
and without any reservations the suggestions and recommenda-
tions were ordered to be
put
into effect forthwith. An in-
considerable number of the men of the existing Day Police
and Nightly Watch were re-engaged; the rest of the men
302
To continue reading
Request your trial