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POLICE HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC.
“DID YOU KNOW?”
| 1901 | 1902 | 1905 |
| 1906 | 1907 | 1911 |
| 1912 | 1913 | 1915 |
| 1916 | 1917 | 1918 |
| 1921 | 1922 | 1923 |
| 1924 | 1926 | 1928 |
| 1929 | 1930 | 1931 |
| 1932 | 1933 | 1936 |
| 1940 | 1952 |
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In 1901
- Mr. Pearce in the House of Assembly remarked that Mounted Constables should be transferred to other duties if they were unable to reduce their weight.
- Ten members were placed before the Medical Board to ascertain their fitness to perform duty due to sickness and obesity etc.
- Detective Photographer Lingwood-Smith advised that he had been declared bankrupt due to his involvement with the I.O.O.F. Lodge as he was on the Committee.
- Senior Constable Willshire of Hergott Springs applied for a room to be built to shelter the aboriginal tracker who” sleeps in a tank in the stables.”
- Mounted Constable Pflaum of Alice Springs was reported by Inspector Clode for flogging a native for cattle stealing and permitting a native tracker to shoot one aborigine. Pflaum was permitted to resign.
- Mounted Constable C.A. Keane reported Innamincka Police Station was destroyed by flood and could not be rebuilt because of the problem of obtaining supplies of timber and iron which had to be carried in by camels.
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- The Tramways Trust advised that police could travel free of charge on electric cars if they are in uniform. Free travel had been previously banned.
- Because of faulty Regulations under the Act, a Magistrate decided that drivers of motor cars were not compelled to carry lighted lamps at night or to register their cars or place numbers on them.
- Executor Trustee and Agency Co. applied to have an alarm from their premises to the Police Barracks. Due to increasing numbers of false alarms it was decided that all firms with alarms be charged 3 guineas a year.
- Detective Photographer Lingwood-Smith applied for a camera for use outside as up to that time he had to borrow or hire one as the Department only possessed a large studio camera.
- The Army supplied police with 100 obsolete Martini Henry rifles for drill purposes at the request of Instructor C.E.S. Rose.
- “Police” badges purchased by members and originally used by Detectives were ordered by Commissioner Raymond to be handed in as they were not official.
- Sergeant Holmes admitted subscribing to the use of a motor car to assist Labour voters getting to voting points in the coming State elections was fined £2 for being involved in political activity.
- The Police Manual issued by Commissioner Peterswald 30 years ago was updated and issued to all members.
- Notices of motion in the State Parliament:-
- Do police induce Hoteliers to break the law.
- Are additional police to be stationed at Unley
- Will consideration be given to abolishing the monthly police parade. Answer. No. Now only held about four times a year when weather is favourable to prevent men getting loose and slovenly in their habits and to see that they are provided with a proper uniform.
- Constable Asker was suspended. Is it the practice of the Commissioner to refuse members the privilege of an audience. - Answer. It is necessary to be done in the presence of an Inspector.
- What is the retirement age for police. It is 70 years for Public Officers.
- What amount was credited to the Police Fund Distribution Act of 1904.
- What hours to suburban police work. Answer - 8 hours a day in broken shifts.
- A supply of 40 swords was obtained for the Mounted Police from the Defence Department.
- A request was made to the Police Commissioner for a Police Association to be formed. It comprised of Sergeant J. Beare, President - Mounted Constable G.D. Downing, Vice President - Foot Constable S.J. Testrail, Honoury Treasurer and Secretary - Senior Constable B. Pethick and Detective J. O’Sullivan, Committeemen.
- Water Police Constables J. Robb and John W. Baddams requested that a new craft be purchased for the River Torrens to replace the boat which has been in use for 30 years as there is a problem with rotting timbers.
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- Commissioner Raymond directed that all members in the City, Port Adelaide, Port Pirie and Port Augusta be vaccinated against smallpox. Sub Inspector Rumball reported that three members, Foot Constables J.L. Atkinson, J.F. Ahern and H.J. Kennedy had refused to be vaccinated.
- The University of Adelaide requested that police patrol their grounds as Night Watchmen. This was refused at the recommendation of the Honorary Secretary of the Police Association, Mounted Constable George D. Downing who claimed it would create a precedent and lead to other applications from Government Departments etc.
- The Commissioner reported to the Government that the following members would attain the age of 70 years during the coming financial year. William Henry Raymond - Arthur Burchell - William Radford - Robert Hill.
- Commissioner Raymond applied to the Government to extend his service for twelve months after reaching 70 years of age.
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- Hanna Norman who wished to coach a candidate for entry to the Force requested information and copies of exam papers but was advised no papers were available.
- The paper “Daily Herald” printed a story claiming that half the Police Force had threatened to resign unless they got a pay increase. The paper listed by name 117 members who served mainly in country and outer city areas.
- Miss F.K.B Cocks, W.P.C. refused to disclose the name of an informant to a Court. The Crown Solicitor advised she was correct in that refusal and that Magistrate Holcombe be advised accordingly.
- A deputation from the Police Association to the Chief Secretary advised that a large percentage of members had submitted their resignation from the Force. Police had not had a pay increase since 1911. The following members gave evidence:- Foot Constable C.E. Goodridge, Honorary Secretary of the Police Association - Plain Clothes Constable F.G. Brown - Mounted Constable Martin Christopher Shea - Senior Constable Robert Gibson Birt - Detective Sergeant Mitchell - Sergeant McCarron and Sub Inspector Fraser.
- Due to the shortage of Police due to the war, the requirements of the Pension Act for members to retire at 65 years of age, was altered so that they could remain in the Force until 70 years of age.
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- New legislation was enacted increasing the speed of motor vehicles to 20 m.p.h. within a town municipality or township and 30 m.p.h. outside. The practice of police allowing 5 m.p.h. over the speed limit before taking action is to be discontinued.
- There were 5 privately owned typewriters used at the City Watch House but no Government machines. Members had been using their private machines for 5 years on police work and had paid for their own repairs and ribbons. A request for the Government to supply ribbons was somewhat reluctantly granted.
- Police were directed to train the public to keep to the left when walking along city streets to bring about a smoother flow of pedestrian traffic.
- Members of the Automobile Association were hindering police in the execution of their duty by taking up a position near police and advising motorists of their presence.
- Vagrants were causing problems by camping in the stables at the former Police Barracks on North Terrace. Police were directed to patrol the area and evict any transgressors.
- Cyclists riding on the footpaths in Montifiore Road were to have their name taken which will be recorded on a special file.
- New legislation was enacted giving police greater powers to demand names etc of suspected persons.
- Imprisonment sentences for convictions for Idle and Disorderly persons and Rogue and Vagabonds were increased.
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- The National Council for Women in South Australia complained about Norman Lindsay’s painting of nude women. The matter was referred to the Crown Solicitor who deemed that no action was to be taken.
- Traffic Constables performing point duty were working 9 hours a day and had every Sunday off. Their shifts were altered to provide for 8 hours on duty with every other Sunday off.
- There was a search to find a suitable Charger [horse] as a gift for His Majesty the King. Enquiries in all States resulted in one eventually being chosen from Victoria!
- A policeman was severely reprimanded for being drunk at a catholic picnic
- The Adelaide City Council asked police to stop newspaper boys from calling out their wares as they made too much noise.
- Police used their Ambulance to convey members to South Terrace Adelaide so they could raid a “two up” school. The Police Commissioner was not impressed and forbid any further such excursions.
- Police were not required to register their ambulances as they were used for public protection.
- Royal Automobile Guides warning motorists of police speed traps were to be requested to cease loitering under the provisions of the Lottery and Gaming Act. [Crown Law Opinion].
- Several journals from Mount Gambier and Penola which contained entries written by Adam Lindsay Gordon [Policeman/Poet] were handed to the Government to be placed in “Dingley Dell” Cottage at near Port MacDonnell.
- Old “Bulls Eye” kerosene lanterns were replaced with battery electric torches.
- Rigby’s published a book on the Motor Vehicles Act and offered it to police at a discount price.
- Motorists entering the State had to report to the nearest police station after crossing the border where their name and details of their vehicle were recorded.
- A constable singing in Gawler Place Adelaide on night shift was deemed disturbing the residents and told to desist..
- On the 23rd February, Foot Constables John Clement King and Ernest Budgeon arrested armed criminals who shot at them and who had a short time before, shot and killed Constable John McLennon Holman, 23 yrs of age. King and Budgeon both received the King's Police Medal for “The fearless discharge of duty in imminent risk of death”
- The Police Association held its first meeting with the Commissioner of Police to discuss pay, conditions and grievances etc.
- Police salaries were paid each fortnight for the first time.
- Prisoner Digby was shot dead whilst escaping from the Port Lincoln Gaol.
- Foot Constable T.A.J. Tregoweth died from burns he received fighting a bush fire at Waterfall Gully.
- Detectives G.P. Nichol took out a writ for slander against Foot Constable L.B. Fenwick in relation to comments that “Police were receiving bribes to forego betting offences”
- On the 15th September, Foot Constable C.F. Clayton was killed on west terrace Adelaide when his police bicycle was struck by a motor car that allegedly had faulty brakes. The car driver, R.K.I. Adlrige was charged with murder.
- In May, Foot Constable Albert Thomas Dick when attending a disturbance, faced Robert Hefferan who aimed a double barrel 12 gg shot gun at him. He jumped aside as the gun was fired and the charge struck his coat but did not injure him. Hefferan was charged with attempted murder but was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment for shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Dick received compensation for the damage to his coat and was also recommended for a monetary reward.
- The police horse was removed from Stansbury Police Station and replaced with a push bike.
- A uniform system throughout the Commonwealth was adopted to take fingerprints and photographs of all immigrants for identification purposes.
- Mungeranie police station on the Birdsville Track was closed.
- A new police station was opened at Torrens Lake.
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- Foot Constable Daniel Leo Beaty, whilst chasing several armed criminals with other Constables, was shot at and the bullet struck his whistle and was deflected from his heart. He continued his chase and arrested his man. He was later awarded the King's Police Medal for Conspicuous Bravery.
- The services of Aboriginal Tracker Bob of Farina, Sandy of Marree and Frank of Oodnadatta were dispensed with in a cost cutting exercise.
- Traffic police adopted a separate uniform for the first time which was similar to that used by the New York Traffic Police.
- Foot Constables John King and Ernest Budgen were recommended for the King's Police Medal. On the 23rd February both men pursued criminals who had been attempting to shoot persons with whom they had a grievance. The motor cycle used by the criminals was seized by Constables Budgen and Holman. The criminals opened fire on the Constables shooting and killing Constable John McLennan Holman, 23 years of age. King and Budgen arrested both men after being fired upon a number of times during the pursuit.
- A report was received that natives travelling from Western Australia were emptying water tanks along the road. They were also carrying firearms.
- The Hindmarsh Council wanted a reduction of the number of police in the district because of the amount of the moiety they had to pay. The number of police did not compare favourable with the number of offences reported between 1918 and 1929.
- Eyes and Crowle Ltd, 75 - 79 Pirie Street Adelaide submitted a quotation to the Police Department for the supply of two “Bean 6” motor cars.
- A special provision was made which enabled returned soldiers to join the Police Force up to the age of 35 years.
- Motor traffic police were placed in a separate uniform similar to the New York Traffic Police, for the first time,
- A Crown Law Opinion advised that the Government had no power to control the stationing of members or their disposition. This power lies with the Commissioner of Police vide section 5[2] of the Police Act 1916.
- The Adelaide City Council announced that fires were not to be lighted under trees on the banks of the River Torrens by the unemployed who were camped nearby.
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- Obsolete By-Laws required women to wear “neck to knee” bathers whilst at the beach even though they were no longer available. Women wearing the more modern bathers which showed their legs and back were ordered by women police to either enter the water or get dressed much to the astonishment of the Glenelg Council and others. There were a number of reports in the “Register” and the “Advertiser” questioning the action of the women police. Some showed photos of women in bathers with comments from the women police as to what they considered to be offensive and which were attractive.
- Police pay to all ranks was reduced by 10% on 10th January.
- Following a meeting of Police Association members who passed a resolution that they did not wish to enforce Council By-Laws, the Secretary F.C. Fenwick made a statement to the press. The Commissioner wanted him charged with a breach of Regulations “conduct prejudicial etc” but the Crown Solicitor advised that he doubted if such action amounted to a breach and if it did it was not serious.
- Calvary swords and helmets were purchased from Army Disposals using funds from the sale of horse manure. [Manure Fund]
- First Class Constable Hodge won the gold medal presented by Mahomet Allum for securing the highest percentage in examinations for Sergeants or Commissioned Officers.
- Police searched the unemployed camps and consficated a number of .303 rifles, bayonets and several revolvers all of which were found in a shed.
- The Special Constabulary Force was formed by Colonel G.D. Shaw of the Department of Chemistry who was loaned to the Police Department. He organised the special force that was to be used in the advent of industrial unrest. Personnel were to be paid and were to use motor transport. They had the powers of police to deal with riots.
- Shipping companies requested that there be a decrease in the number of Shipping Police due to their cost.
- Motor Traffic Police purchased four Harley-Davidson motor cycles and sidecars.
- The following police members received Honourable Mentions for their involvement in the conviction of a Member of Parliament, for sodomy. Inspector H.F. Trotter, Principal of Women Police Miss F.K.B. Cocks, Detective I.T.L. Dayman, P.C.C. Trezona C.P.R. and F.C. Marshall J.S.K.
- The cost of manning traffic points [Traffic Control] was discussed and there was a suggestion that consideration be given to introducing automotive signals.
- Plans were made to convert a cell at the Millicent Police Station into a bedroom.
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- A new Regulation was passed setting out that only single men would be admitted to the police force and they were not permitted to marry within three years of such appointment.
- There was a reduction in salaries and wages of all personnel by 10%. There was some discussion on whether allowances should be discontinued but this was overruled by the Commissioner.
- A number of parties given at Government House by a Butler were frequented by homosexuals. The Butler admitted inviting “Queens” and other undesirables. He subsequently resigned his position and left for England.
- The Commissioner’s Gold Medal for Tent Pegging was won by Mounted Constable George Schwerdt.
- All new police stables must be constructed so that they can be used for police horses or a motor car.
- All candidates for Commissioned Officers examination who have thrice failed to pass that examination, are not to be permitted to sit again unless in their own time and expense.
- The Central Fingerprint Inquiry Bureau was established in Sydney.
- Honourable Mentions were awarded to Foot Constables Flint and Russell and W.P.Cs. Priest and Poole for the arrest of two Chinese for smoking opium.
- The Premier of New South Wales remarked that Police Commissioners should be free from political interference.
- The Women’s Council made a request to the Police Department for a loan of police uniforms to be used in the centenary celebrations but the request was refused.
- A motor lorry driven along the Port Road at Cheltenham by Mr. K.M. Kelly had a length of timber protruding from the side and this struck and injured 52 soldiers marching along the road.
- The Government suggested that all members of the South Australian Police Force be fingerprinted. The Association Secretary Mr. E.W. Hender, stated that the Association agreed that all members submit to fingerprinting at the same time as the Government passed legislation requiring all South Australians to be fingerprinted.
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