Force Orders 1867
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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
1st February1867 ~ 28th December 1867
General Order
Purport
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Chief Constables Office, Chester 1st February 1867
Superintendents will send in by return of post a list of such places in their Divisions where periodical Sales of Cattle and Sheep were held prior to the restrictions being placed on them.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 13th February 1867
Superintendents will forthwith direct their officers to make a minute search on the roads leading from Chester and along other roads in the County, in the ditches and behind the hedges on each side thereof for ammunition reporting result of same to this office, considerable quantities already been so discovered, date and place where found to be given.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 14th February 1867
In reference to Confidential Memo of the 14th December 1866, Superintendents will arrange all their duties with a view to the immediate concentration and sending of their men as Telegrams may direct.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 15th February 1867
CONFIDENTIAL
Superintendents will make arrangements wherever they think necessary for private Watchmen to perform duty should the Constables suddenly assembled on account of Fenian agitation.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 16th February 1867
Superintendents will send forthwith to Chester to be there stationed until further orders one experienced constable with a suit of plain clothes as well as uniform.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 23rd February 1867
Superintendents will in future always recollect on receipt of telegram to "send every man to any spot" that no excuse can be admitted for keeping back men except urgent circumstances require it. When the telegram says "Every available man will be sent" then Superintendents may exercise a wider discretion as to constables required by stations population etc.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 8th March 1867
The following men have been dismissed from the force PC Andrew Capper Number 7 Division, for Drunkenness in November 1877. PC James Scott, Number 7 Division, for Drunkenness in March 1867.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 20th March 1867
In future whenever the Constabulary are summoned to assemble it will be understood that Divisions are to be formed as follows under their own Superintendents, Inspectors or Sergeants to be sized and told off as soon as assembled and a nominal list to be at once given to the Chief Constable signed by the senior officer of each section viz,
Number 1 and 3 Divisions into 1 Division to be called Number 1 Section
Number 2 and 10 Division into 1 Division to be called Number 2 Section
Number 4 and 5 Division in to 1 Division to be called Number 3 Section
Number 6 Division into 1 Division to be called Number 4 Section.
Number 7 Division into 1 Division to be called Number 5 Section.
Number 8 and 9 Division into 1 Division to be called Number 6 Section.
Superintendents will be held responsible that their Divisions are complete with Staves, Cutlasses, and Great Coats etc.
It will also be understood that on all such occasions the Senior Officer of each Section will take Special Care to provide that their men have proper meals, the expense of which will be deducted out of their Special Duty Allowance as otherwise drink and exhaustion will render them unfit for work.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 23rd March 1867
The Chief Constable has well considered the cases of drunkenness that occurred when the Constabulary were lately assembled on an important emergency at Seacombe and attributes much to the great irregularity of meals provided for the men and therefore on all like future occasions will hold the Superintendents responsible that their men are properly supplied daily with breakfast, dinners and tea and the same will be charged against each man whether he declines or neglects to partake of it and Superintendents will further report any men so declining or neglecting or any men under the influence of drink, that orders may be enforced and that men may not succumb to drink from exhaustion for want of proper meals.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 5th April 1867
The new clothing will be properly fitted, ready to be taken in to wear on short notice and one new cap may at once be issued for use.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 11th April 1867
The Chief Constable wishes it to be distinctly understood that whenever a first class constable disgraces himself by drunkenness he will invariably be reduced to the rank and pay of a second class constable.
By Order.
G.E.Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 20th April 1867
PC J.S. Martin to receive increase in pay from 21/- to 22/- per week from the 15th instant.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 23rd April 1867
The attention of Superintendents is particularly drawn to General Order of the 3rd May 1865 in respect of Chester Races and also of General Order 5th June 1866 in reference to Inspectors, requisitions for any clothing or appointments required to complete, to be sent in forthwith. The Chief Constable further wishes Superintendents at once to keep a sharp look out for the forth coming Fight for the Championship at Crewe and other Stations leading into Chester.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 30th April 1867
Acting Sergeant Palin of Number 1 Division and Acting Sergeant Barron of Number 3 Division are appointed to the rank and pay of Sergeants at 23/- per week from the 1st proximo.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 30th April 1867
Acting Sergeant Shawcroft of Number 7 Division to be Sergeant at 23/- per week re Sergeant Francis Daniels resigns.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 1st May 1867
PC Chesworth Reserve Division to be 2nd Class Constable at 20/- per week from this date.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 18th May 1867
Superintendents will send in another list for promotion recommending one man in every five to each class of Constable. Without however communicating such recommendation to their Divisions they will also send in the name of the Sergeant they consider best qualified for the rank of Inspector.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 28th May 1867
Divisions will parade as follows for general inspection by the Government Inspector Colonel Woodford.
Division
Date/Time
Location
7
Friday 31st May 12 Noon
Hyde
9
Friday 31st May 4 pm
Stockport
8
Saturday 1st June 10.30am
Macclesfield
4
Saturday 1st June 3.30 pm
Crewe
10
Monday 3rd June 11.30 am
Chester
6
Monday 3rd June 4.0 pm
Birkenhead
Notice of time and place for other Divisions to parade will be sent.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 29th May 1867
On Inspection Card to be given to Colonel Woodford the names of the men are not to be entered but will be so on that for use by the Chief Constable.
Leather Stocks will be cut so as to fit collar of Coat.
Staffs of one uniform pattern always to be shown.
Only one set of clothing, besides that in use will be shown.
Any Constable seen at Stations need not attend inspection elsewhere.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 7th June 1867
Number and Name of Officer will be entered on the Title Page of the Duty Book and also on every consecutive page.
In future officers will be paid to the following dates in each month, except for the weeks ending in each quarter when they will be paid to the date so ending
5th Weekly Pay Sheet to reach Head Quarters on the 8th.
12th Weekly Pay Sheets to reach Head Quarters on the 15th.
19th Weekly Pay Sheets to reach Head Quarters on the 22nd.
26th Weekly Pay Sheets to reach Head Quarters on the 29th.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 10th June 1867
The following officers will attend for duty at Beeston Castle Festival on the 24th and 25th instant
Division
Rank and Name
Total
1
Sergeants Forster and Palin. PC Gosling
3
3
6 Officers
6
4
2 Officers
2
10
Inspector Burgess, Sergeant Clarke. PC Atkin
3
Detectives from Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester.
3
Total
17
Chief Constables Office, Chester 13th June 1867
Detective Inspector Lawton is promoted to the rank and pay of Inspector at £80 per annum in Number 6 Division, vice Watson and will be stationed at Egremont.
Superintendents will forthwith send in the names of such Sergeants, Acting Sergeants and Constables as they consider best qualified as Detective Inspectors.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 15th June 1867
Division
Rank and Name
Old Annual Weekly Rate
New Annual Weekly Rate
1
Superintendent Wilson
£110
£120
4
Superintendent Laxton
£125
£130
5
Superintendent Rowbottom
£130
£135
1
Sergeant Forster
25/-
26/-
1
Sergeant Palin
23/-
24/-
2
Sergeant Aston
27/-
28/-
2
Sergeant Beardsworth
26/-
27/-
2
Sergeant Morris
23/-
24/-
3
Sergeant Mayho
26/-
27/-
4
Acting Inspector Wood
26/-
27/-
5
Sergeant Hulme
27/-
28/-
6
Sergeant Williamson
27/-
28/-
6
Sergeant Hindley
26/-
27/-
7
Sergeant Cooper
26/-
27/-
7
Sergeant Maiden
26/-
27/-
8
Sergeant Garner
27/-
28/-
9
Sergeant Dale
27/-
28/-
10
Sergeant Clarke
25/-
26/-
1
PC Gosling
21/-
22/-
2
PC Stockton
21/-
22/-
2
PC Wood J.
21/-
22/-
3
PC Whittaker
21/-
22/-
4
PC Williamson
21/-
22/-
5
PC Greer
21/-
22/-
5
PC Hardern
21/-
22/-
5
PC Hall
21/-
22/-
6
PC Burgess
21/-
22/-
6
PC Oldham
21/-
22/-
7
PC Shaw
21/-
22/-
8
PC Fazakerley
21/-
22/-
8
PC Tinsley
21/-
22/-
9
PC Harrison
21/-
22/-
1
PC Bell
20/-
21/-
2
PC Billington
20/-
21/-
3
PC Breese
20/-
21/-
4
PC Capper
20/-
21/-
4
PC Burrows
20/-
21/-
5
PC Ennis
20/-
21/-
6
PC Cooper
20/-
21/-
7
PC Wilkinson
20/-
21/-
7
PC Lowe
20/-
21/-
9
PC Dawson
20/-
21/-
2
PC Wibberley
19/-
20/-
2
PC Harrison Jos.
19/-
20/-
2
PC Jones J.
19/-
20/-
3
PC Dean
19/-
20/-
4
PC Spann
19/-
20/-
5
PC Hewitt
19/-
20/-
6
PC Moorhouse
19/-
20/-
6
PC Parker
19/-
20/-
6
PC Shore
19/-
20/-
6
PC Rowe
19/-
20/-
7
PC Walford
19/-
20/-
7
PC Ellams
19/-
20/-
7
PC Williams T.
19/-
20/-
8
PC Tew
19/-
20/-
Chief Constables Office, Chester 18th June 1867
Sergeant Hilton of Number 3 Division is appointed Detective Inspector at Tranmere from the 25th instant at 27/- per week and will make arrangements to proceed there with as little delay as possible.
Sergeant Forster Number 1 Division will be transferred to Number 3 Division and be stationed at Frodsham proceeding there at an early date. Sergeant Watson is transferred to Number 1 Division and will proceed to Malpas on Station being vacated by Sergeant Forster.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 4th July 1867
The Police will give special attention to discourage the trade of tramps by searching them strictly on all legitimate occasions
The police are referred to Sections 9 of 30 vict C5 as to Dogs and will request the production of the License for same whenever circumstances suggest the expediency of so doing.
All Felons property will at once be sent to the Sherriff, a copy of the receipt for same being sent to this office.
Superintendents will dispose of all unclaimed property in their possession to the end of December 1865, crediting the amount realized in 10th Clause Return attaching a statement showing the date of each article was received, description of same and the amount sold for.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 12th July 1867
The following proportion of police will attend at Shotwick on the 31st instant and the 1st and 2nd proximo and the instructions laid down in General Order of the 20th July 1865 will be carried out
Division
Officer
Supt
Ins
Sgt's
PC's
Total
1
Sergeant Palin
1
1
2
2
Sergeant Aston
1
1
2
3
Sergeant Mayho
1
1
2
6
Inspector Lawton
1
1
1
9
12
10
Inspector Burgess
1
1
2
Totals
1
2
4
13
20
As moustaches and beard have of late years become worn generally by all classes, the Chief Constable sees no longer any reason why the police should not adopt them and therefore he wishes it to be understood that any of the Constabulary who so choose may wear them.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 15th July 1867
PC Drysdale of Number 4 Division is reduced to the rank and pay of a 2nd Class Constable for evading Conference Points and making false entry in his Duty Book. Superintendent are requested to be vigilant personally to check an offence so dangerous to police efficiency.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 22nd July 1867
PC Jackson is reduced to 2nd Class Constable at 20/- per week for Drunkenness and Neglect of Duty.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 8th August 1867
Sergeant Naylor will be transferred to Great Budworth to be there stationed as being of greater importance to the public.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 13th August 1867
Superintendents will peruse the enclosed letter and read it to the men of their Division whom they will direct in any flagrant and clear case amongst resident inhabitants as therein laid down.
Colonel King on the part of the Volunteers has expressed great satisfaction at the efficient and cheerful services of the Constabulary at the late Shotwick meeting.
PC J. Seddon of Number 4 Division is reduced to the pay of a 2nd Class Constable at 20/- per week for making false entries in his journal and neglecting his Conference Points.
By Order.
G. E. Oldmeadow.
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 14thAugust 1867
The Chief Constable has observed that in some Divisions which he not now name, Sergeants have got into the habit of arranging Conference Points with the men of their Section close to their own residences, and seldom after 1am he therefore desires Superintendents will take immediate steps to remedy this.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 17thAugust 1867
Superintendents are requested to report on the Stations in their several Divisions forwarding estimates when work is required to be done and further it is to be understood that as a rule outside painting should be done every third or fourth year and inside painting every fifth or sixth year.
Sergeant Buckley of Number 2 Division is promoted to the rank and pay of 1st Class Sergeant at 28/- per week.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 19thAugust 1867
The enclosed copy of a letter from Standards Commissioners with accompanying Form is forwarded to each Superintendent and the Chief Constable request that the latter may be carefully filled in and returned to this office with as little delay as possible. Superintendents will not fill in the column in Number 1 Return Headed "Date when last verified or re-verified at the Exchequer or Board of Trade.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 30thAugust 1867
A reward of £2.5s 0d has been received by PC Burgess of Number 8 Division from the Board of Excise for information given of a dog held in possession without a License and the Chief Constable trusts like vigilance will be observed in other Divisions.
Acting Sergeant Naylor Number 2 Division is awarded the Merit Badge with pay of 2d per diem from 1st proximo for repeated acts of vigilance and energetic night duty in the apprehension of bad and dangerous characters.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 14th September 1867
The following transfers will take place on the 20th instant PC Parry from Number 7 Division to Number 8 Division, and PC Bradshaw from Number 8 Division to Number 7 Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 19th September 1867
Sergeant Dutton Number 2 Division is promoted from 26/- to 27/- per week for recent clever capture.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 24th September 1867
Inspector Britnor pay is increased to 29/- per week from the 29th instant.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 28th September 1867
Inspector Hilton's pay is increased from 27/- to 28/- per week from the 30th instant.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 7th October 1867
As much excitement attends now the appearance of Prisoners in Towns, consequent upon the idea that they may be connected with Feminism the Chief Constable desires that until further orders, prisoners shall be conveyed through towns in cabs or other available conveyance.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 11th October 1867
The following promotions will take place from the 15th instant. Sergeant Leah Number 7 Division 24/- to 25/- per week, PC Shawcroft Number 7 Division from, 23/- to 24/- per week and PC Ardern from 22/- to 23/- per week.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 17th October 1867
PC Shore of Number 6 Division is promoted to 1st Class Constable at 21/- per week.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 17th October 1867
Superintendents of Numbers 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Divisions will make immediate arrangements so as to assemble in the shortest possible time the men of their Divisions on the lines of Railway leading to Chester and Crewe as information points that way and other Divisions will make arrangements to concentrate their men in the speediest manner according to circumstances. On such occasions Cutlasses and Pistols will be in possession.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 19th October 1867
Superintendents will at once try to engage for their own Divisions one or two good plain clothes men, young strong and active and send them to Head Quarters to be sworn in after which they will transfer to the Division.
By Order
G. E. Oldmeadow.
Chief Clerk.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 25th November 1867
Superintendents will make enquiry throughout their Division and prepare and forward on or before the 20th December a return of all cases of Pleura Pneumonia that have occurred in their Division between 1st September and 30th November 1867, that the Chief Constable may prepare an abstract of same for the Court of Quarter Sessions.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 4th December 1867
On no account shall any man retain in his possession more clothing than as follows, 1 Helmet, 2 Caps, 2 Great Coats, 3 Tunics, 3 Pairs of Trousers, 1 Stock, 1 Cape and 1 pair of Leggings. All beyond these articles to be collected by Superintendents at the end of each quarter and retained in their possession until disposed of by annual sale.
The following men have been dismissed from the force for concealing that they had served in other police forces. PC John Davies Number 7 Division October 1867, PC Francis Redfern, Number 7 Division November 1867, PC Jacob Chesters Number 2 Division December 1867.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 6th December 1867
The following transfers will take place on such dates as Superintendents may arrange PC Perrin from Number 5 Division to Number 2 Division, PC Robson from Number 7 Division to Number 2 Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 17th December 1867
In all important cases of Murder or in others of a like serious nature, whenever the Solicitor for the Prosecution declines to call evidence or prepare necessary plans because of the expense, the Chief Constable desires that immediate reference be made in order to secure authority for such expense and in any such cases competent legal advice will at once be engaged to conduct the examination before Magistrates instead of as in some late cases an incompetent police officer undertaking what is so far beyond his ability and so inflicting a serious injury on public justice.
A load of sand and earth mixed will be kept ready at each police station to throw on any fire caused by "Greek Fire" as the most expedient way of putting it out. Water only adding to its area instead of stopping.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 18th December 1867
Should any expected explosive materials, liquid, or otherwise, be discovered either in bottles or tins, and be taken possession of by the police, the police will be most careful in handling them, and remove them in pales or other wooden vessels full of water.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 26th December 1867
From directions received from the Secretary of State, Superintendents are specifically referred to the Act 25th and 26th C66 and they will therefore at once ascertain what licenses have been granted in their several Divisions and then make enquiry and proceeded against all breaches of the Act as regards the possession of explosives substances reporting same to Head Quarters.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 28th December 1867
Acting Sergeant Naylor is promoted to the rank and pay of Sergeant at 23/- per week from the 26th instant.
Superintendent Andrews will state for the information of the Chief Constable the reason of his neglect in not applying for and issuing the Merit Badge to those men in his Division entitled to wear it.
By Order.
G. E. Oldmeadow.
Chief Clerk.
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