Force Orders 1857
X
THIS DOCUMENT IS COPYRITE AND REMAINS THE PROPERTY OF THE CHESHIRE CONSTABULARY
IT IS INTENDED TO AID THE RESEARCHER AT THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE, CHESTER
NO COPIES IN ANY DIGITAL FORMAT WILL BE ALLOWED WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION
FROM THE CHESHIRE CONSTABULARY OR THE TRUSTEES OF THE MUSEUM OF POLICING IN CHESHIRE
CHESHIRE CONSTABULARY
GENERAL ORDERS
CJP4 VOLUME 1
4TH APRIL 1857 ~ 22nd December 1857
General Order
Purport
Page No.
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Memo Copy sent to each Division on 6th April
All Classes to
by Railway at 9p per mile being 2nd Class
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Copy sent to Macclesfield, Birkenhead, Stockport and Chester 4th November 1857
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Division Order
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2
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2
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Chief Constables Office, Chester 4th April 1857
All Orders from the Chief Constables Office, received by the Superintendents, will be entered in the Order Books of their respective Divisions and be communicated to the men under their immediate command with the least possible delay
The Chief Constable in being appointed to the command of the Constabulary of this County, feels that he is not only responsible to the Magistrates for the full efficiency of the Force, but that it also forms the essential part of his duty to study every economy consistent with efficiency, and therefore to promote both these objects, calls upon all Ranks to support him with their ready cooperation.
As soon as a Book of Regulations for the guidance of the force has been prepared and approved by the Magistrates, a copy of it will be issued to each man, but until then the force will adhere strictly to the same rules as heretofore, with such additions as may from time to time seem requisite to the Chief Constable.
All crimes of magnitude, cases of fire or occurrences of serious or unusual importance will be at once specially communicated by the Superintendents to the Chief Constable, who will consider the fact of such information reaching him through any source other than that of the Superintendents a proof of proper energy and alacrity on his part, unless otherwise satisfactorily explained.
The Magistrates having decided that the payment of the force shall be continued as heretofore between the Superintendents and County Treasurer, except that all Estimates and Accounts shall be first examined and approved by the Chief Constable, the Chief Constable desires as follows
That proper Vouchers be furnished for every description of expenditure. That no charges be entered in the accounts except for the period to which they belong. That Superintendent's take steps that all contingent accounts be signed by the Magistrates of their Divisions, before being sent to Head Quarters. That on all occasions the Railway be made available, wherever practicable, and the expense of such alone charged, whether for the movement of any of the force on duty, or for conveyance of Prisoners. That full details explanatory of all charges for Special Allowances is made in a Column of Remarks.
The following explanatory directions of some portions of the Annual Returns which will be required from the Superintendents are issued at this early period, and copies of the Returns sent, that they may be well studied and understood, as from them will be prepared the Annual returns demanded from the Chief Constables by the Secretary of State.
1. Numbers 2 and 3 are intended to be read together so as to make one connected return and that therefore no apprehensions whatever should appear in number 2 but such as are disposed of in number 3 and that all cases Summarily disposed of, whether the parties are brought up by Summons or apprehended should be entered with the decision of the Magistrate in number 4.
2. The only cases about which any difficulty will arise are discharged cases in Assaults on Police Officers, Assaults Common, Simple Larceny and a few other offences which appear in number 4 as well as number 2 and 3 in this the Superintendents must use his best judgement. If the offence is so serious a nature that in case the evidence had been sufficient the parties would have been sent for trial/whereas for the want of evidence they were dismissed/then the case will appear in both Divisions of Form 2 and up to the discharge column in number 3. In all instances when the case is discharged on its merits it must be entered in column "discharged" in number 4 and the case is not noticed in number 2 and number 3 at all.
3. Superintendents to be careful to fairly report all cases that come to their knowledge as directed in form number 2 the total of which will not be further noticed, the 1st column in number 3 "Number of Cases" will be those in which detection has taken place and the total of the next column headed "Male and Female must agree with the total of the apprehensions in number 2 and the same total must be further accounted for in the subsequent columns in number 3/viz Discharged & and again for in the class of Persons proceeded against.
4. On no account can any interlineations be allowed or alteration of the classification. If any offence has been committed for which there is no heading, let it be entered at the first part of the return under the proper heading of "Other Offences" or "Misdemeanours" or in form 4 "Other Offences".
5. Number 4 call for a few observations all the cases that have come under the Superintendents notice that have not appeared in Forms 2 and 3 to be accounted for here.
6. It sometimes happens that a Summons terminated in a more serious offence than is at first contemplated, and the parties are sent for trial, in such cases the lesser offence merges into the greater - the parties will be considered as apprehended and included in number 2 and 3 and must not be noticed in number 4 at all.
7. Superintendents will further bear in mind that the columns headed "Total Number of Crimes Committed" in number 2 and "Number of Cases" in number 3 and 4 contained the number of distinct cases not persons. That in form number 3 being the total number of cases in which detection has followed the difference between and the total on form 2 of Crimes committed will show the undetected cases. That in form 4 showing the number of cases Summarily dealt with.
8. The column headed "Class of Persons" proceeded against in form 3 and 4 to be filled up accordingly to the judgement of the Superintendents. If the true character can be given by the addition of a column it may be done as "Notorious Drunkards"
9. The offence of Larceny to the value of £5 in Dwelling Houses" in the classification column is to be understood to be £5 and upwards.
General Observations.
10. No notice to be taken of Summonses for Bastardy, Non Payment of Rates or anything of a Civil nature.
11. No notice to be taken of "Insane Persons".
12. Threatening Language to be treated as "Assault".
13. "Hawking without a Licence" if the persons are fined, the case to be classified as an offence against the excise. If committed or ordered to pay costs, to be treated as one of Vagrancy.
14. Disorderly to be entered as "Breach of the Peace".
15. Cases wherein more than one person is concerned, Factory cases etc, to be looked upon as one case.
16. "Pound Breach" to be treated as an offence so called and entered specifically under "Other Offences".
17. "Assault on Bailiff" to be entered as "Common Assault".
18. In apprehensions for non payment of arrears of Bastardy if the person pays he is to be entered as "Discharged".
19. "Aides and Abettors" in cases disposed of Summarily to be dealt with as principals under "Lewis's Act and classified "Aides and Abettors" after other offences.
20 Leaving work, Strikes etc, to be treated as one case and entered under "Offences relating to Masters and Servants".
21. In number 4 for Larceny by Offenders less than 14 years" read "Larceny by Offenders under 16 years.
Charge and Summons Sheets.
Referring to the subject of re-entering cases in the charge sheet of Persons who have been apprehended on Warrants of Commitment for non-payment of fines etc, the course to be adopted to prevent a double return of crime for one offence is to enter all such cases in the charge sheet in "Red Ink" omitting the consecutive number nature of offence and all information that has already been given and in the column "Taken into Custody By" after Constables name add the words" On Commitment".
The description to be given in the usual place. If a defendant is committed for trial upon the hearing of a Summons the name to be entered in the charge sheet in "Red Ink" omitting the consecutive number and reference made to the number of charge, as previously observed the lesser offence merging into the greater.
The classification of the ordinary Charge and Summons Sheets to be strictly in accordance with the Government Returns, Bastardy cases in Summons Sheets to be classified as Bastardy.
All description of Rates Cases to be classified "Rates". All Wages Questions "Wages". In Police cases in the column headed Complainant enters the word "Police" only.
In the Classification column enter the letter "M or F" Male or female.
Insert in the centre space on the face of the Charge Sheet the County of the Prisoner.
All returns and other Documents sent to the Office will be dated and signed with Rank attached.
Any member of the force visiting Chester on duty will report himself at the office 4 Sellar Street.
Constables stationed in Towns will perform one third day and two thirds night duty. In the Rural Districts each Constable will perform from 9 to 10 hours day and night duty always recollecting that when others sleep the police should be vigilant.
The Chief Constable in visiting some of the Constables stations has in the absence of the men, found their journals locked up or not forthcoming, he therefore directs that when a Constable leaves his residence on duty his journal will be kept in some place ready for inspection of those in authority with the column "Where he has gone" to be filled in and an entry to be made in the journal of the Police Constable visits from the Chief Constable, Superintendents, Inspectors or Sergeant.
The Chief Constable having noticed that Forms and Letters are constantly sent on double sheets, when a single sheet would suffice, thereby is incurring an unnecessary waste both of stationary and postage, requests that the practice may be discontinued.
As the Rules for the Guidance of the Force will not be published before next Adjournment Quarter Sessions, the Chief Constable cannot allow so long a time to elapse without expressing the opinion he holds that the test and objet of a good system of police is the absence of Crime and not the number of prisoners or convictions and by this test alone will be guided in his estimate of the respective Divisions.
All Books and Forms required by Divisions will in future be applied for by Superintendents and supplied from the Chief Constables Office in order to secure uniformity.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 18th April 1857
The following Memorandum relative to the Forms herewith sent is issued for guidance and information of Superintendents.
On the 1st of every month Charge and Summons Sheets are to be sent in by each Division, carefully completed in all the columns and disposal of Prisoners to be in the Magistrates handwriting.
Government Form "B" is only to be sent in on the 1st of every month when entries are made in it.
On the 1st of every month a Pay List, and Contingent Account with Vouchers, all according to Form, are to be sent in, any improper charges will be disallowed by the Chief Constable and ordered to be recharged to the party who received them.
A Railway Warrant will be issued to each member of the Force, and in the event of dismissal or discharge from any cause; the Warrant will be taken possession of by the Superintendent and by him transferred to the man's successor.
The Weekly Report will be sent in by the Sergeant and Constables to Superintendent every Saturday. Superintendents and Inspectors will send direct to the Chief Constable on the 1st of every month the Report of Duty performed by them.
In transmitting the Return for Conveyance of Prisoners the extra expense of Constables in charge will be included.
The notice to Pawn Brokers will be sent immediately a robbery is committed.
The Report of Fire will be sent to the Chief Constable as soon as possible after the occurrence.
Although the Pay List is only to be sent to the Chief Constable monthly the men are to be paid wherever practicable weekly.
The List of Suspected Persons is to be sent in at the end of every Quarter and the Chief Constable begs that great attention will be given to secure information that may be replied on this return should be kept under lock and key.
In reference to General Order Number 5, 4 instant it is no longer requisite that the Contingent Account should bear the signature of the Magistrate of the Divisions, as the Chief Constable is now responsible to them for its correctness.
All the Returns will be prepared from the 20th instant inclusive.
The following Rules and Rates for Specials and other allowances having been confirmed by Magistrates in Quarter Sessions assembled, are to be strictly adhered to, and all other arrangements and scales of allowances heretofore existing are thereby cancelled.
1st That all Special Duties including the conveyance of Prisoners the Railway is to be made use of wherever available and that no higher amount be charged for same than the actual fare.
2nd That no charge will be admissible for travelling by Railway or otherwise unless the distance travelled exceed 8 miles or unless satisfactorily explained and approved by the Chief Constable.
3rd That no allowance for Special Duty will be granted unless the Constable is necessarily absent from his beat or district the greater part of the day and unless the duty is strictly special and in both cases so proved to the satisfaction of the Chief Constable.
That the following be in the Rates of Special allowances to the several ranks
Day
Night
Superintendents
2s 6d
2s 6d
And so on in
1/- extra to
Inspectors
2s 0d
2s 0d
proportion
Supt & Insp
Sergeants
1s 6d
1s 6d
for lesser
when out all
Constables
1s 3d
1s 3d
periods.
with horse.
That when requisite to convey prisoners by Road that 6p per mile be allowed for one prisoner and 3d per mile extra for every other prisoner if conveyed in the carts of Superintendents but if otherwise conveyed that only the actual expense incurred be allowed and that no charge be made for conveyance of prisoners for any distance they may have marched.
That 3d per mile will be allowed to Superintendents and Inspectors on particular occasions when travelling by road dependent upon distance and the nature of the duty performed and sanctioned by the Chief Constable.
It is requested that Superintendents will impress upon their men that the Act of Parliament under which they commence duty on the 20th instant does not allow them to accept any Fees, Monies of Penalties or any other Monies whatsoever for their own use, but that they must strictly account for the same to their Superintendents.
The following officers having been appointed by the Chief Constable will be obeyed accordingly
To be Superintendents
1. John Walter Smith
2. Joseph Holliday.
3. Francis McDermott
4. Charles Laxton.
5. Alexander MacDonald.
6. David Gwynne
7. Joseph Little.
8. James Williamson.
9. George Oswald Andrews.
To be Inspectors
1. William Blake
2. Joseph Gregory.
To be Sergeants.
1. William Hatton.
2. William Beard.
3. John Wilson.
4. John Morris.
5. James Steen.
6. George Dagliesh.
7. James Garner.
8. John Jones.
9. John Bolton.
10. Richard Rowbottom
11. Joseph Williamson.
12. Joseph Hulme.
13. John B. Manning.
14. Thomas Hammond.
15. Benjamin Cooper.
To be Sergeants without pay.
1. Michael Douglas
2. Matthew Maiden.
The following scale of Rent will be charged to all members of the force occupying Stations or Lockups
Rank
Married
Single
Remarks
Superintendents
17s 4d
13s 0d
Monthly
Inspectors
13s 0d
8s 8d
Monthly
Sergeants
10s 10d
6s 6d
Monthly
Constables
8s 8d
4s 4d
Monthly
Those men whom the Chief Constable allowed to remain in charge of Stations of being promoted to Sergeants will pay only one half of the above scale of rent.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
To be Acting Sergeant in Number 6 Division PC William Stanley.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 23rd April 1857
In reference to General Order of the 18th Inst. All members of the force who were in occupation of County Stations or Lockups prior to the 1st Instant will pay only one half the scale there laid down.
Discretionary power is granted by the Chief Constable to Superintendents to allow any men of their Divisions to appear in plain clothes where the exigencies of the service may demand it, either executing Warrants or otherwise.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk.
PC J. Shenton to be Acting Sergeant in Number 9 Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 2nd May 1857
Number 121 PC Ralph Worthington of number 7 Division having been very properly reported by Superintendent Little to have been found "frequenting public house and playing bagatelle" the Chief Constable has fined him in the sum of 5/- and removed him to another Division.
His Royal Highness Prince Albert having signified his intention of being at Cheadle Station between 10 & 11am on Tuesday next 5th Instant, the Chief Constable desires that the following order is strictly attended to. The Division will send a strength as detailed below to be at Cheadle Station not later than 9am. Experienced men of fine personal appearance to be selected, each man to be in his best uniform with white cotton gloves, whenever His Royal Highness passes a Constable the latter will stand erect in the steady position of attention.
Division
Sergeant
Constables
2
1
4
5
1
4
6
1
6
7
2
12
8
1
4
9
2
5
Totals
8
35
Superintendent Andrews will take charge of the whole of the party and immediately after His Royal Highness departure from Abney Hall on Tuesday morning will order the men of 2, 6 and 5 Divisions to return to their Stations retaining the remainder of the men until the following evening.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 5th May 1857
PC72 Wm. Watson to be Sergeant in Number 2 Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 6th May 1857
PC69 Robert Bohanna to be Acting Sergeant in Number 5 Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 6th May 1857
PC39 William Thornton and PC62 Bryan Shields having been found guilty of drunkenness are dismissed from the force.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 9th May 1857
Estimates for Pay and Contingent Expenses to be sent in by each Division on the 25th of each month. One half the amount of such estimate will be remitted to Superintendent by Cheque or Bill as the County Treasurer thinks best on the 1st and 15th of each succeeding month, receipt to be acknowledged by Superintendents by return of post.
The Accounts of Pay and Contingent Expenses will be forwarded to Chief Constables by each Superintendent not later than 3 days after the termination of each quarter.
No charge prior to the 20th April 1857 will be allowed in the Accounts of "New Constabulary Act" Superintendents will close all former accounts with County Treasurer.
The Chief Constable being most anxious that every mark of testimony in favour of the character or efficiency of any member of the Constabulary should be known throughout the whole of the force, as well as any merited punishment for misconduct takes this opportunity of giving publicity to the circumstances of a handsome present of a Gold Watch, Chain being presented to the lately appointed Superintendent Mr. John W. Smith by the Mayor and Town Council of Welchpool as a mark of their High Estimation of his Services and Character while in charge of that Town.
By Order
G. E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 12th May 1857
On removal of Constables on duty, all conveyance must take place by rail when practicable and the actual expense of such conveyance will be allowed, but when the road is of necessity used, than 1/- per mile will be allowed for removal of married Sergeants and 9d per mile for married Police Constables. Unmarried men will be allowed for conveyance of their effects no more than 6d per mile.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 20th May 1857
To secure uniformity the following will be the scale of deductions for Superannuation Fund at 2 1/2 per cent on the following rates of pay Weekly
19/-
20/-
21/-
22/-
23/-
24/-
25/-
5 1/2 d
6d
6 1/4 d
6 1/2 d
6 3/4 d
7d
7 1/2 d
All allowances and payments granted to the Constabulary for attendance at Assizes and Sessions will be received and retained by members of the force until further orders and will not therefore be entered in the Police Accounts.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 20th May 1857
PC108 James McCurdy will join Number 2 Division and PC19 Thomas Lawley will proceed to Number 6 Division in place of him.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 23rd May 1857
PC155 William Taylor Number 9 Division is fined 5/- for "being absent from his beat and found in bed under the influence of liquor at 4pm by the Sergeant on 16th May 1857.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 24th May 1857
PC 25 John Broome is fined 5/- for drunkenness at Altrincham on the 9th May 1857.
PC38 Thomas Park is dismissed from the force for neglect of duty and drinking with a prisoner when conveying him to the House of Correction.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 1st June 1857
The Chief Constable desires that all officers of inferior ranks in the Constabulary shall salute the several Superintendents and Inspectors in the same manner as all ranks do the Chief Constable.
All men who have not been in other Police Forces on joining the several Divisions must receive instruction prior to being put on duty.
In reference to Number 1 Order of 18th April 1857, the Superintendent will only ask for the signature of the Magistrate himself, as the Chief Constable only wishes for such signature as a guarantee of the correctness of the sentence.
Books of Rules and Regulations issued to each Division with the above Order 5th June 1857. These Rules and Instructions are issued for the information of the young Constables, but in as much as they have not yet received the approval of the Justices in Quarter Sessions assembled any deviation in them from existing Orders will not be allowed to be acted on until after such approval.
By Order
G. E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 5th June 1857
In reference to General Order 12th May 1857, no allowance will be granted for the expense of removal to any Constable when such removal is caused by misconduct.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 10th June 1857
PC85 Henry Mason to be Acting Sergeant in Number 6 Division
Chief Constables Office, Chester 17th June 1857
Superintendents are referred to Clause 16 of 2nd & 3rd Vict C 93, of which they will make a copy and have read to Publicans throughout their Districts wherever the opportunity presents and the Chief Constable desires that afterwards Superintendents will most strictly enforce the penalty of that Clause against Publicans offending under it.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 22nd June 1857
The Chief Constable warns the Constabulary against entering Public Houses when on duty except for the purposes of duty and cautions them against drinking in Public Houses even when off duty, it being far better for the Constable to send for what drink he requires when practicable than to sit drinking in such places. Whenever attending Clubs or other Meetings it is most desirable that the Constable should not remain in Public Houses there being always evil disposed persons ready to treat the Constable to drink well knowing that if he commits himself he cannot with safety report others.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 3rd July 1857
The Chief Constable has great pleasure in stating that the following increase of pay recommended by him has been approved by the Magistrates at Quarter Sessions to commence from 1st Instant
No
Div
Rank and Name
Present Rate
Increment
Rate
£ s d
£ s d
1
1
Supt. Smith
80
90
2
2
Supt. Holliday
110
130
3
3
Supt. McDermott
100
110
4
4
Supt. Laxton
100
110
5
5
Supt. McDonald
110
120
6
6
Supt. Gwynne
110
130
7
7
Supt. Little
130
140
8
8
Supt. Williamson
110
120
9
9
Supt. Andrews
110
120
10
1
PC. Phillips
19 0
1 0 0
11
1
PC. Palin
19 0
1 0 0
12
1
PC. Holywell
19 0
1 0 0
13
2
PC. Morgan
19 0
1 0 0
14
2
PC. Dutton
19 0
1 0 0
15
2
PC. Aston
19 0
1 0 0
16
2
PC. Street
19 0
1 0 0
17
2
PC. Jebb
19 0
1 0 0
18
3
PC. Kerns
19 0
1 0 0
19
3
PC. Hilton
19 0
1 0 0
20
3
PC. Hayes
19 0
1 0 0
21
3
PC. Barron
19 0
1 0 0
22
4
PC. Morgan
19 0
1 0 0
23
4
PC. Fullerton
19 0
1 0 0
24
4
PC. McQueen
19 0
1 0 0
25
5
PC. Steel
19 0
1 0 0
26
5
PC. Davies
19 0
1 0 0
27
5
PC. Dale
19 0
1 0 0
28
6
PC. Mason
1 0 0
1 1 0
29
6
PC. Stanley
19 0
1 0 0
30
6
PC. Gleave
19 0
1 0 0
31
6
PC. Hughes
19 0
1 0 0
32
6
PC. Walker
19 0
1 0 0
33
7
PC. Buckley
19 0
1 0 0
34
8
PC. Rackham
19 0
1 0 0
35
8
PC. Broadhurst
19 0
1 0 0
36
8
PC. Lee
19 0
1 0 0
Chief Constables Office, Chester 4th July 1857
The Book of Rules and Instructions having been approved by the Magistrates in Quarter Sessions will at once carefully studied and strictly acted on by the Constabulary with the exception of that part relating to the disposal of the Property of Prisoners, vide Page 6, also at Page 5 as far as relates to receipts for Commitments will not be acted on until further Orders.
The disposal of the Property of Prisoners will therefore be carried out according to the former practice of Divisions.
Superintendents will instruct their men that they are not on any pretence whatever to write on the fly sheets at the end of the Book, as they are intended for the insertion of any future Orders that may be issued.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 17th July 1857
The Chief Constable desires that whenever an assault on the Police is alleged, that Superintendents will at once most fully investigate the charge in order to ascertain whether the Police Constable concerned is in any way to blame, either from being under the influence of drink, loss of temper or from any other cause.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 25th July 1857
PC1 Charles Holywell, Broxton Division having been found drinking in a Public House when on duty is reduced to the pay of a third class Constable from date of offence.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 1st August 1857
The Chief Constable after mature consideration has become convinced that most particular attention should be given to the suppression of the three offences of "Vagrancy & Hawking without a Licence" and abuses of "Public House Licences" as he perceives that many if not the majority of crimes originate or are aided by or made subservient to these several offences. Superintendents will therefore direct every vigilance to be used in preventing these offences, by bringing all cases before the Magistrates and the Chief Constable will take measurements to communicate his views generally on this subject that punishment may reach such offenders.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 8th August 1857
The Inspector of Constabulary having signified his intention of visiting the several stations in this County during next week, the Chief Constable desires that all be in readiness and in the best possible order. Superintendents will have their Horse and Cart at each Headquarter of Division. Superintendents will have all their men of their Divisions that can be spared by the Public Service assembled at the time named. They will be dressed in full uniform with Hats, White Gloves, Staves, Lanterns, Handcuffs, Book of Rules, Journal and Warrant. No excuse will be admitted that Staves or any other article is not considered serviceable each man will be supplied with such as they are whether good or bad new or old.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 12th August 1857
The Chief Constable encloses for the information of the Constabulary a Memorandum from the Magistrates of the Police Committee which he will feel it is his duty strictly to enforce.
The Police Committee is of the opinion that the charge made by the Police Constables at the Lockup in Knutsford for 34cwt of Coal on the 27th May 1857 is unreasonable and ought not to be allowed in future and that this observation applies to other Lockups in the County. Signed Lee P. Townshead and W. Tomkinson. Chester 5th August 1857.
By Order
G. E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 13th August 1857
PC98 William Harrison will be transferred on the 17th Instant from 6 to Number 2 Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 14th August 1857
Superintendents will be most careful not to allow any Constable to perform the duty of a Police Officer until sworn in.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 18th August 1857
Superintendents will take a correct Inventory of all property belonging to the County in each station, including Accoutrements, Furniture of every description, mops brushes &, &, and will hand up a list thereof in a conspicuous part of the station forwarding to this office an exact duplicate. They will also forward the usual diet given a Prisoner for the allowance of 4d per meal.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 27th August 1857
PC40 James Kerns and PC46 William Hilton to be Acting Sergeant in Number 3 Eddisbury Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 26th August 1857
The Chief Constable considered it may be advantageous on future occasions to offer the following remarks on the late Inspection.
Number 7 Division showed clear proof of being well looked after by the Superintendent and his Officers, who seemed very properly to know every detail connected with the conduct and duty of their men and the men themselves are therefore both more efficient and contented with their duties.
Numbers 1 and 6 Divisions followed nearest to their example. But on the other hand, in some Divisions there was equally apparent and carless and lax manner of performing duty, the Superintendent and his officers evidently not considering it most important to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with their men and the details of their Division in all respects, Whether of duty, Conduct, Pay, Clothing, Accoutrements, Books &c, &c. In these respects Number 8 and 5 showed the want of Supervision. The Chief Constable will merely add that when officers neglect their duty, men will become equally negligent.
By Order
G. E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constable Office, Chester 29th August 1857
Superintendents will take immediate steps to have the Frogs of the Cutlass altered to fit the new belts, reporting when they have done so.
A Lantern of the new issue will be tried in each Division and the result reported, the remaining new Lanterns being taken into safe keeping of Superintendents until after the trial in order to be returned if necessary.
All Pistols will be taken into possession by Superintendents or deposited at Headquarters Station in their Divisions and not be again issued except by order of the Chief Constable.
Superintendents are reminded that may Great Coats and Lanterns have never been used, although in some Divisions much oil has been charged for and in all much night duty reported to be performed.
The Chief Constable again reminds Superintendents that no fee or allowance is to be received by the Constable for his own use under any pretext whatever with the exception of Special Allowance for duty performed when entailing extra expense or unusual work on the Constable.
Superintendents will always enter in a Book kept for that purpose any Divisional Order they may consider it requisite to issue.
Superintendents will take care by inspection to see that all articles in the possession of their men are duly marked and that each man has two good pair of boots, a good Suit of Plain Clothes and a Button Stick and Brush.
When a PC Resigns the Superintendent will call for the reason in writing, that the Chief Constable may know that justice is always done to the men.
When a charge of Misconduct is forwarded against a man the Chief Constable desires that the man's own written statement in defence or explanation may be sent with it.
The Chief Constable discovered that although some Superintendents have allowed a high charge for coal at Stations that at some Stations the stove at Cells has not been lighted for 3 & 4 months such abuse must be discontinued as they only lead to stopping proper allowances.
Again the Chief Constable desires that Superintendents will obey orders and allow no man to go on duty without staff, handcuffs and diary, in one Division a PC Confessed he had been 7 years in the force without a Staff and yet his Superintendent did not know it! This system needs no comment.
The Chief Constable desires that it may be distinctly understood that any allowance made to Constables in the Certificate of Costs are to be placed over the Superintendents to the credit of the Constabulary Rate. Constables will only receive for their own use wherever special allowance they may be entitled to.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 29th August 1857
PC81 John Woolley, Number 5 Division, will be struck off the strength of the force in the 4th proximo.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 1st September 1857
Superintendents will always have a List in their possession of fit and proper persons to be sworn on in emergency as Special Constables in the different populous parts of their Divisions.
Superintendents will from this date during sickness other than injuries on duty place Sergeants and Constables under a stoppage of 8d per diem, to be credited to the Superannuation Fund.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 6th October 1857
The Chief Constable has for some time been watching and considering the due working of the Constabulary duties as regards the mutual understanding and facility of assistance that should at all times exist between forces of the same nature whether of adjoining Counties or of Borough's independent of County jurisdiction as tending both to the benefit of the Public by a more speedy communication of all Police business, particularly as to parties suspected or wanted and also to a useful and friendly feeling between the several forces. On this account he desires that Superintendents will at once make every arrangement to carry out this view, either by Conference points or by any other means suggested by those in Command of other forces if more applicable to the end.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 15th October 1857
Superintendents will take immediate steps to inform the Chief Constable if they think that the clothing for next year can be made up in their several Divisions as well and as economically as in London as the Chief Constable is desirous that the County should not be deprived of any advantage on equal terms and wish the sanction of the Police Committee he will should it be found practicable issue tenders for County or Divisional Contractors.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 21st October 1857
The Chief Constable desires that Superintendents will use their utmost endeavour respectfully to induce Magistrates to dispose Summarily of all cases of Assault on the Police, as the Chief Constable has the greatest confidence in the support and decisions of the Magistrate and believes the punishment in their power equal to the majority of such cases.
When a Fire occurs, Superintendents or other members of the Constabulary will obtain the authority of owners of the property or other responsible party prior to sending for a Fire Engine.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 24th October 1857
PC1 Charles Holywell will be transferred from Number 1 Division to Number 2 Division on the first proximo.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 26th October 1857
With reference to General Order of 6th Instant and with the concurrence of the Chief Constable of Lancashire the Chief Constable directs that Superintendents will take immediate steps to place themselves in communication with the Superintendents of the neighbouring Divisions of that County for the purpose of establishing occasional meetings of the respective Constabulary on the boarders of the Counties both for the more speedy transmission of intelligence and for the detection and apprehension of offenders, all such meetings and information to be entered in the duty book. The Chief Constable believes that this system will lend to the advantage of the public and encouraging of a feeling of mutual reliance between different Constabulary Forces.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 28th October 1857
Superintendents will send in on the last day of each month a Certificate as follows "Thereby certify that all monies received by the officers of my Division, whether paid to them in the Certificate of Costs as monies of Fines, Penalties or on any other account have been properly credited by me to the public account and Special Duty allowance only granted to the officers in lieu thereof".
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk.
Chief Constables Office 28th October 1857
The following rates of increase of Pay to the under mentioned Officers recommended by the Chief Constable and sanctioned will bear date from 1st Instant
Division
Rank and Name
Remarks
1
PC. Rich. Boulton
Increased 1/- per week
2
Sgt. J. Jones
Increased 1/- per week
2
Sgt. Wm. Beard
Increased 1/- per week
2
Sgt. Wm. Watson
Increased 1/- per week
2
PC. T. Percival
Increased 1/- per week
3
PC. B. Gibson
Increased 1/- per week
4
Sgt. J. Wilson
Increased 1/- per week
5
Sgt. R. Rowbottom
Increased 1/- per week
5
Sgt. J. Morris
Increased 1/- per week
5
PC. A. McCallen
Increased 1/- per week
6
Sgt. J. Williamson
Increased 1/- per week
6
Sgt. J. Steen
Increased 1/- per week
6
PC. R. Cook
Increased 1/- per week
7
Sgt. J. Hulme
Increased 1/- per week
7
Sgt. G. Dagliesh
Increased 1/- per week
7
Sgt. J. Manning
Increased 1/- per week
7
PC. J. Lawton
Increased 1/- per week
8
Sgt. J. Garner
Increased 1/- per week
8
PC. R. Kettle
Increased 1/- per week
9
Sgt. T. Hammond
Increased 1/- per week
9
Sgt. B. Cooper
Increased 1/- per week
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 2nd November 1857
Superintendents will send in the name of one man most fitted in their Divisions to be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Also the District in each Division of greatest area or mileage in charge of any one Constable. Also the District in each Division the greatest amount of population in charge of any one Constable.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 7th November 1857
Superintendent Holliday will take charge of Number 9 Division on the 26th December 1857 inclusive and Superintendent Andrews of Number 2 Division from the same date. The Chief Constable has decided on this exchange of Division from a conviction that it will prove an advantage to the Public Service.
The Chief Constable is very pleased to find that he has no difficulty in filling up vacancies in the higher ranks by good men in the Cheshire Constabulary. Acting Sergeant William Stanley of Number 6 Division is promoted Sergeant from the 5th Instant and will join Head Quarters to take charge of the Reserve.
PC17 George Morgan is promoted Sergeant from the 11th Instant and will take charge of Great Budworth Section.
Sergeant Beard will proceed to Altrincham to be there stationed and take charge of the Lockup.
PC Edward Aston is reappointed to the Cheshire Constabulary and posted to Number 1 Division and will take charge of Malpas Lockups.
PC William Wynne of the Reserve will proceed to Altrincham and PC Flanders will join the Reserve at Head Quarters.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 9th November 1857
The Chief Constable desires Superintendents will keep a Return from the Duty Books of their men for quarter commencing 1st December 1857 and ending 28th February 1858, of all known Poachers met on the roads or elsewhere at night, specifying it with bags whether containing Game, other property or empty.
Also a Return specifying the average wages paid to Labourers and a report at the end of each month of all charges in the Labour Market, by stoppages of Mills &c, &c, and further to send immediate notice by Letter or Telegram of any large and tumultuous meetings of people out of employ whether in County, Boroughs or adjoining Counties.
The Chief Constable has not yet heard of an arrest being made by any officer of the Cheshire Constabulary of any party wanted by another County, or the capture of Horses, or property stolen or advertised and described in the Police Gazette. The Gazette must be referred to daily by Superintendents, Inspectors and Sergeants and to be as far as possible accessible to all Constables. To this end the Chief Constable desires Returns of the number of Police Gazette's received by each Division will be sent to this office, and what additional number will be required.
By Order
G.E.Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 17th November 1857
The gallant capture by PC147 J. Bolshaw of Number 9 Division at night time of a notorious Burglar and Highway Robber from Derbyshire, he having firearms in his possession. This is an example which the Chief Constable holds up the Cheshire Constabulary as deserving his highest approval and therefore directs this Order to be read to the men of each Division as proof of the necessity of vigilance and decision with all suspicious characters met during their beat at night.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 18th November 1857
PC90 Walter Thorburn of Number 6 Division to be Acting Sergeant.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 21st November 1857
PC Robert Wood of Number 1 Division is taken on strength of the Reserve and appointed Acting Sergeant this date.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 24th November 1857
PC Edward Aston to be Acting Sergeant in Number 1 Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 24th November 1857
PC William Flanders will be taken on the strength of Number 6 Division on the 28th Instant vice PC Henry Woolley Resigned.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 27th November 1857
The Chief Constable desires that a Copy of the Diet Table herewith enclosed may be in the possession of each Keeper of County Lockups and strictly adhered to as far as circumstances will allow each article has been calculated so as to leave a fair balance on the three days to cover expense of cooking &c, &c.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 30th November 1857
The Chief Constable desires that immediate notice may be sent to him all undoubted cases of Arson, that he may have the opportunity of being present should he so wish and he thinks it well to remind the Constabulary that too early an investigation into such cases is impossible.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 5th December 1857
Mr MacDonald having tendered his resignation as Superintendent the Chief Constable has much pleasure in filling up the vacancies as follows:-
Inspector Blake to be Superintendent in Number 5 Division from the 25th Instant vice MacDonald resigned.
Sergeant Steen to be Inspector at Runcorn vice Blake promoted.
Acting Sergeant Kerns of Number 3 Division to be Sergeant vice Steen promoted.
Inspector Blake will at once put himself in communication with Superintendent MacDonald to obtain all requisite information from the experience of the latter in connection with his Division.
Sergeant Steen will arrange for the same object of communication with Inspector Blake.
Acting Sergeant Kerns will join Number 6 Division on the 25th Instant.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 5th December 1857
PC Thomas Ludlam of Number 1 Division is transferred and will join Number 6 Division on the 14th Instant.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 16th December 1857
PC Charles Moah is dismissed from the Cheshire Constabulary this 16th day of December 1857 for having obtained an appointment in the Cheshire Constabulary by forged Testimonials.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 22nd December 1857
The Chief Constable wishes it to be understood that, on proper reference being made to him he will sanction the Constabulary retaining for their own use all rewards for the apprehension of Deserters, and also the reward of 5/- offered for the apprehension of Juvenile Offenders escaped from the Reformatory of this County. The Boys in which Reformatory are dressed as follows:-
'Corduroy Suit' Shirts marked "BR" (Bradwall Reformatory), Blue Socks, Scotch Cap with Coloured Border.
By Order
G.E.Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk.
Transcribed by retired Cheshire Police Officer James Talbot 05/2009
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