MANCHESTER BOROUGH POLICE FORCE  SECOND PART JULY 1842 - DEC 1843

FIND MY PAST

This is a continuation of the story of the Manchester Borough Police Force based on the minutes of the City Borough Council Watch Committee meetings. See here for part one.

After a gap of just over two and a quarter years the minutes of the Watch Committee again are recorded. However prior to that at a meeting of the full Council on 18^th July the following was recorded.

Whitehall 13^th July 1842

SIR,

I am directed by secretary Sir James Graham to inform you that the Charter of Incorporation of the Borough of Manchester has been confirmed by the Judges of Westminster Hall, after much argument, on the most mature consideration, Sir James Graham is of the opinion (although he understands that an appeal from the decision of the Judges is pending), it will not, on the whole, be advisable to recommend a continuance, for the period of another year, of the Act relative to the police of Manchester, provided he receives from yourself, and from the Borough Council, a distinct pledge that if the existing Act be allowed to expire, the Council will forthwith take measures for the continuance of an effective police force, so that on the expiration of the existing Act there may be no interval without an ample and efficient police, and that the public peace and good order of the borough shall not be endangered,

I am therefore, to request you to consider this subject, and to inform Sir James Graham, if the existing Act is allowed to expire, whether the council will give him the distinct pledge and assurance to the effect above-mentioned.

I am , Sir, your obedient servant,

S M Phillips

Resolved

That in the case the Acts or acts now in force for regulating the police in this Borough as at present existing under the direction of the Commissioner appointed by the Crown be allowed to expire, this Council pledges itself forthwith to take measures for the continuance of an efficient police force within the Borough, so that on the expiration of such Acts there shall be no interval without an ample and efficient police force being maintained for the maintenance of the public peace, and the preservation of good order in within the Borough.

The problem was caused by several Lancashire officials (and others elsewhere) who opposed and contested the Incorporation of Manchester the Act referred to above was presented to Parliament as the following Bill:

“A Bill for compensating the Coroners and Clerks of the Peace of Warwick and Lancashire, and the Clerks of the Justices of the County of Warwick acting for the Division of Hemlingford, for their loss by the incorporation of the Boroughs of Manchester, Birmingham and Bolton.”

As explained in the previous section there was a two year gap in the minutes of the Watch Committee. They pick up with the measures being taken by the Watch Committee to take overall control of the Manchester Borough Police Force from 1^st October 1842.

Watch Committee Meeting 23^rd September 1842

Details of the above meeting (18^th July) were noted.

Resolved

That the Mayor together with Sit Thomas Potter and Messrs Willert, Callender, Hopkins, Woolley and Hampson be requested to confer together as to the future operation and proceedings of the Watch Committee with a view to the organisation of an effective Police Force within the Borough on the morning of 1^st October next, and to report with as little delay as possible for the consideration of the Committee.

Meeting 27^th September 1842

The report of the Gentlemen deputed to confer together was read out.

That before proceeding to the business immediately confined to them by the Watch Committee, the Mayor laid before the undersigned written statements in which charges seriously affecting (if true) the character of Mr Beswick are made and which were presented by Thomas Bartho to Sir Charles Shaw in the month of December 1840.

That it appears that no inquiry had ever been instituted by Sir Charles Shaw into the truth of such charges, nor had they ever been communicated to Mr Beswick: but that during the present week the documents had been handed by Sir Charles Shaw to the Town Clerk in order that he may lay them before the Mayor: Sir Charles Shaw at the same time stating that he brought no charges against Mr Beswick, but on the contrary had every reason to be satisfied with the efficient manner in which he had fulfilled the duties devolving upon him since he, Sir Charles Shaw had taken the control of the Police.

It appearing that these charges had been in the possession of Sir Charles Shaw since December 1840, without any inquiry having been instituted, that Mr Beswick had since that period held a responsible situation under Sir Charles Shaw, and had faithfully and efficiently discharged the duties devolving upon him; and having learnt something of the character of the individual upon whose credibility the charges rested, the undersigned unwillingly determined to enter upon any further investigations. Directions were however given to the Town Clerk forthwith to furnish Mr Beswick with a copy of the charges brought against him by Thomas Bartho in order that he might have the opportunity of making such reply as he thought fit.

That it appears from Thomas Bartho's own statement that all the charges made either directly or indirectly against Mr Beswick (with two exceptions only) had been submitted by him in writing to Messrs Wood and Woollam the then Constables of Manchester; and in a letter addressed to and received by the Mayor on the 24^th September prior to the next meeting of the undersigned, Mr Wood states “that the charges against Mr Beswick by Bartho to the Constables were fully investigated at the time and found frivolous, vexatious and void of truth” and further in consequence Bartho was dismissed from the force and only reinstated at the request of Mr Beswick.

So far as therefore as relates to such charges it is hardly necessary to say that no further inquiry was considered necessary, and it is satisfactory to the undersigned to be able also to report with reference to other charges indirectly made against Mr Beswick and which were not brought under the consideration of the Constables, that they are fully satisfied from the explanation given by Mr Beswick that they like all the rest are “frivolous vexatious and void of truth”.

In conclusion upon this subject which is important as it is affecting the character of an officer who has long served the Town and latterly in situations of considerable responsibility , the undersigned feel that it is only justice to Mr Beswick to state their deliberate and unqualified opinion that the attempt which has been a second time mischievously and wickedly made by Thomas Bartho to injure the character of Mr Beswick has utterly failed and to express their regret if any impression unfavourable to Mr Beswick to Mr Beswick has been produced in the minds of other parties in consequence of the charges not having been investigated so soon as they were made.

The undersigned also report that the present Police Force consists (as appears by a return furnished by Sir Charles Shaw at the request of the Mayor) of the following officers and men:

1 x Superintendent at the Court House @ £ 250 p a

4 x Superintendents in the Police Force @ £180 p a

1 x Acting Superintendent @ £100 p a

9 x Inspectors @ 100 p a

6 x Sub-Inspectors @ 30/- p w

6 Sub-Inspectors @ 25/- p w

1 x Acting Sub-Inspector @ 21/- p w

23 x Sergeants @21/- p w

1 x Acting Sergeant @ 17/- p w

251 x Police Constables @ 17/- p w

making a total of 313 Officers and Men.

The strength of the Force under the Watch Committee before Sir Charles Shaw took charge of the Police was:

1 x Head Constable @ £400 p a

1 x Indoor inspector @ £250 p a

4 x Superintendents @ £150 p a

1 x Senior Clerk @ £120 p a

25 x Inspectors @ 27/- p w

8 Indoor Constables @ 25/- p w

7 Lock-up Keepers @ 25/-[ p w

295 Constables @ 17/- p w

1 x Clerk @ 25/- p w

2 x Clerks @ 21/- p w

1 x Coroner's Officer @ 27/- p w

making a total of 246 Officers and Men.

It will therefore be obvious that with due regard to the efficiency of the Police force no diminution in the present number can with propriety be made ; and in order that there may be no interval during which the Borough shall be left without the protection of a force at least as efficient as that of present existing it is recommended that the whole of the Force now under Sir Charles Shaw as set forth above making a total of 313 men shall at the salary and wages now paid be sworn in to act as Constables under the Watch Committee on the 1^st October [1842].

It is impossible for the Watch Committee now satisfactorily to make any, and if any , what changes in the present arrangements of the Police. Any alterations which may be required can only be made advantageously after the Watch Committee has had some experience of the working of the present system , and as the result of careful deliberation.

The Watch Committee are however bound both by the pledge given by the Council to the Secretary of State , as well as by the duty which they owe to the public, to take the necessary steps for securing the existence on 1^st October of a Police Force not less than efficient than the Force at present in operation. And as it is obviously impossible for the Watch Committee during the short interval now remaining to change satisfactorily even if change shall hereafter be desirable, the present arrangements, and as it must be assumed that the present system of operations requires the number of officers now in the service , the only prudent course for the Watch Committee to adopt appears to be to swear in the 313 Officers and Constables now constituting the police Force or such of them as may be willing to become the servants of the Corporation. At the same time in order that the future operations of the Watch Committee may be entirely unfettered, and any changes made which may appear to be desirable , it aught to be distinctly explained to all so sworn in under what circumstances their services are retained – that they must consider they hold their situation during pleasure only, as well as good behaviour, subject to any alterations which, with reference either to the situations themselves or the amount of salary or wages paid , may be hereafter determined upon by the Committee.

If the course now recommended be determined upon, it will be desirable forthwith to ascertain how many of the present force are desirous of being sworn in under the Watch Committee or such members of that committee as may be deputed for that purpose shall have the opportunity before 1^st October of inspecting all the Officers and men and of explaining to those desirous of being sworn in the terms upon which their services are proposed to be retained.

The desire of the parties to serve having been thus ascertained, and the terms of their appointment explained, the while of the Police Force Officers and Men, should be ordered to be in attendance at such time or times as may be determined for the purpose of being sworn in to act as a Constable for the Borough.

In conclusion it is suggested that the constraint and direction of the Force under the Watch Committee be for the present vested in Mr Beswick, with the distinct understanding however that such an arrangement is only temporary and that the committee will hereafter proceed to the selection and appointment of a Chief Head Constable when they have had an opportunity of maturely considering and determining what shall be the precise nature, duties and responsibilities of the office , and also the qualifications which shall be required to be processed by any person who may become a Candidate for the situation.

Town Hall September 26^th 1842 signed:

William Neild, Mayor, Thomas Potter, P F Willert, W R Callender, Thomas Hopkins, James Hampson, Thomas Woolley.

Resolved

That the salary of the Chief Constable to be hereafter appointed be and is hereby fixed, subject to the approbation of the Council at the annual sum of £450.

Resolved

That on 1^st October next advertisements be inserted in the Manchester papers and also in the London “Times” and “Chronicle” and at such other times and in such other places as the Mayor shall direct, inviting the application of Candidates for the situation of Chief Constable to take under the direction of the Watch Committee, the entire charge of the Police Force of this Borough, such officer being required to possess intelligence, activity, a practical knowledge of Police affairs , and experience in the direction of a numerous body of men – all applications together with testimonials of character to be forwarded to the Town Clerk on or before Saturday 15^th November next.

Watch Committee Meeting 1^st October 1842

It was reported that on the previous Thursday morning the whole of the Police Force were present at the Town Hall and with the exception of acting Superintendent Linton had expressed their desire to be sworn in under the Watch Committee. The following Officers would be present at the Town hall to be sworn in:

5 Superintendents

9 Inspectors

12 Sub Inspectors

37 Sergeants

251 Police Constables

314 total

The following letter from the Council was to Sir Charles Shaw was read out:

Town Hall

September 30^th 1842

Dear Sir,

As the powers of the present Police Act expire this day and therefore the individuals composing the Force will cease to be your servants this evening. I beg to inform you that it has been arranged with all included in your list of your Force returned to me with the exception of Superintendent Linton that they shall continue to hold their present situations under the Watch Committee, and I have to request that you will on my behalf give the direction which may be necessary in order to ensure that all those who will either be on duty or who would in ordinary course go on duty between 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock on Saturday morning shall perform their usual service, and that all the Police Force, Officers and Men with the exception of Mr Linton shall be in attendance at the Town Hall at half past 9 o'clock tomorrow (Saturday) morning the 1^st October.

I will give direction that the Borough shall be protected by the Special Constables at and after 6 o'clock tomorrow morning.

My object in thus addressing you is to ensure the continuance on duty of the usual Police Force from 12 o'clock until 6 o'clock a.m. On Saturday.

William Neild

Mayor

Chief Commissioners Office

Town Hall

Manchester September 30^th 1842

Sir

I have received your letter of this date and I shall give order that your wishes be punctually attended to.

Charles Shaw

Resolved

That 1. Mr Richard Beswick be appointed Indoor Superintendent of this Borough at the annual salary of £250.

That

Messrs.

are severally hereby appointed Superintendents at the annual salary of £180.

That

7	James Irwin	11	James McDonald
8	Archibald McMullin	12	William Robinson
9	John Taylor	13	J W McKnight
10	David Lipsett	14	Timothy Leary

be and are hereby severally appointed Inspectors at the annual salary of £100. Subject however to any changes which may at any time hereafter be made either in the nature of the situation or in the amount of salary paid to any of the said several officers. And with the distinct understanding that such several appointments are only temporary and that in case of any changes shall be hereafter which shall either alter the situation held in the salary received by any such officers to be no longer require; that in any such case the Watch Committee only agree to give 4 weeks notice to any party so appointed.

That the following parties be and the are hereby severally appointed , during the pleasure of the Watch Committee and subject to any change which may be hereafter made, Sub Inspectors of the Borough Police at the pay of 30/- per week:

15	George Pierce	18	Benjamin Cross
16	William Bazendale	19	Melville Burton
17	Robert Love	20	Charles Dale

and that the following be and hereby also appointed Sub Inspectors at the pay of 25/- per week

21	Charles Bingham	24	William Seignor
22	John Maybury	25	Bartholomew Hickey
23	Benjamin Pollitt	26	Patrick Rowe

That the following persons be and hereby severally appointed during the pleasure of the Watch Committee and subject to any changes which may hereafter made Sergeants in the Borough Police Force at the pay of 21/- per week

That the following persons be and hereby severally appointed during the pleasure of the Watch Committee and subject to any changes which may be hereafter made Police Constables of this Borough at the pay of 17/- per week

A DIVISION

B DIVISION

C DIVISION

D DIVISION

A guide to the 1908 Divisions can be seen here.

Resolved

That Isaac Philipson having been appointed and sworn in as a Police Constable be and is hereby assigned to as Coroner's officer. [This man tried to resign in controversial circumstances in 1844. His resignation was rejected and he was dismissed].

That the control and the direction of the Police of the Borough under the Watch Committee be for the present rested in Mr Beswick with the distinct understanding that this arrangement is only temporary and that the Committee will at an early day proceed to the appointment of a Chief Constable and that the Mayor be requested to communicate this resolution to Mr Beswick and also through the several Superintendents to the Police Force.

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Meeting 10^th October 1842

Resolved

That the following parties, Robert Joynson, Thomas Spencer and Robert Shaw be appointed Constables of the Borough.

Meeting 13^th October 1842

Resolved

That a number of suitable persons should be during the present month nominated and appointed by receipt in writing singed by two of the Justices of the Borough to act as Special Constables within the Borough when legally called upon for that purpose. That Mr Beswick should prepare a list of such parties. That Mr Beswick prepare a list of 100 persons to be called ”Supernumerary List” out of which list any vacancies which shall from time to time occur in the Police Force shall be supplied.

That the following parties, Nathaniel Rainsbury George Scargill, Richard Goodfellow and George Maybury be appointed Constables of this Borough.

Meeting 17^th October 1842

Resolved

That twenty five in number of the men now in the Force who in the opinion of the Superintendents of the several Divisions as ineffective as Police Officers be ordered to be in attendance at the Town Hall on Thursday morning next – and the the Superintendents be prepared with a report to this Committee stating the names of the parties and the grounds upon which they are reported as inefficient police Officers.

Resolved

That such parties as shall be discharged by this Committee from the Force on the grounds that they are inefficient as Police Constables be allowed and paid one week's wages in lieu of notice.

Meeting 20^th October 1842

An application from the Coroner to have the wages formerly allowed and paid by the Watch Committee to the Coroner's Office now paid to Isaac Philipson who had been assigned by the Watch Committee to act as his officer was read. Also a report by Mr Beswick on the duties performed by the officer assigned to assist the Coroner.

Resolved

That the Officer who shall by the Watch Committee be assigned to perform the duties of Coroners Officer shall be allowed and paid the wages of 24 shillings per week.

Ordered

That an advertisement be inserted in the Manchester Papers of the 22^nd October inviting the application of able bodied and respectable men as candidates for appointments in the Police Force of the Borough. And also inviting the attendance at such time as my be fixed of such respectable inhabitants as may be willing to act as Special Constables during the ensuing 12 months whenever the Magistrates may consider the ordinary Police Force insufficient for the emergencies of the Borough, being paid whilst on duty, in order that their names (with their knowledge and consent) may be handed to the Magistrates for appointment as such Special Constables in accordance with the provisions in on that behalf contained in the Municipal Act.

Ordered

That the remaining number of the men now in the Force who in the opinion of the Superintendents of the several Divisions are ineffective as Police Officers be ordered to be in attendance at the Town Hall on Thursday 27^th October and that the several superintendents then report to this Committee the names of the parties and the grounds upon which they are reported as inefficient as Police Officers.

That such parties as shall be then discharged by the Committee from the force on the grounds that they are inefficient as Police Constables be allowed and paid one week's wages in lieu of notice.

Ordered

That Mr Beswick be authorised to supply out of the Supernumerary list the vacancies in the Police Force arising from the twenty eight dismissals made this morning.

Ordered

That the several Superintendents report through Mr Beswick at the next meeting of the Committee whether any and if any what, increase of Force is required in order to make their several Divisions efficient.

Ordered

That until this Committee has determined upon the additions to be permanently made in the number of the present Police Force, Mr Beswick be authorised to employ temporarily such number of the Supernumerary Force as may be considered by himself and the several Superintendents necessary to strengthen without delay the present Divisions of the Police, not exceeding however in the whole the number of 50 men.

Ordered

That a special meeting of this Committee be called for Saturday morning at 10 o'clock to consider the applications for the situation of Chief Constable.

Meeting 22^nd October 1842

The applications and testimonials of the following parties, candidates for appointment to the office of Chief Constable were read over and considered

Resolved

That the applications and testimonials of the following individuals be reserved for further consideration at a special meeting to be called for that purpose:

Mr Richard Beswick

Captain Willis

Mr W Martin

Col G M Hogg

Meeting 24^th October 1842

Ordered

That Sergeant Stock and Police Constables Neaves and Solton be paid 15/- each out of the Fine Fund for their great exertions as Constables resulting in the apprehension of six prisoners who were proved to have taken part in 5 burglaries and committed for trial at the Assizes.

Resolved

That the following 31 men, having appeared before the Committee be and hereby appointed Constables of this Borough:

Meeting 24^th October 1842

Resolved

That Captain Edward Willis be appointed Chief Constable of the Police Force at a salary of £450 per annum. That Mr Richard Beswick be paid as Chief Superintendent of Police at a salary of £350 per annum.

The Manchester Guardian reported that the Borough Council had advertised the position of Chief Constable at a salary of £450 per annum as opposed to the £700 paid to Sir Charles Shaw. The Watch Committee sat for nearly four hours and after carefully considering the merits of the various candidates, and more especially those of Mr Beswick and Captain Willis, at length chose to appoint Captain Willis as Chief Constable.

Captain Willis, aged 38, had served in the Army with credit from an early age for about 12 years. He then unsuccessfully applied for the post of Chief Constable of Lancashire, which was conferred upon Captain Woodford. On the day of his appointment, Woodford immediately offered to the post of Deputy Chief Constable to Captain Willis. This he accepted and continued to discharge his responsibilities in the most satisfactory manner until the present. Captain Willis was almost totally in charge of the southern Division of the County. It is understood that Captain Woodford gave Captain Willis the most glittering of testimonials.

The Guardian was also very pleased to learn that the Watch Committee had appointed Mr Beswick Chief Superintendent of the Borough Police at a salary of £350 per annum, and that it was their contemplation to arrange to secure the services and exertions in that particular department of Police business, in which he had so long and so deservedly held the highest the highest reputation, as an active and intelligent detective officer.

It was felt that if Mr Beswick had been appointed Chief Constable that he could not continue to manage the detective department efficiently and that the public good would thus suffer.

Meeting 27^th October 1842

Resolved

That the Chief Constable be authorised to supply out of the Supernumerary List the vacancies in the Police Force arising from the 19 dismissals made this day. And that the men who may be selected be brought before the Committee for appointment at the next meeting.

Resolved

That Mr Shortland [Councillor and member of Committee] be directed to examine the hot water pipes used in warming the A Division Station House, Town Hall, and report to this committee as to the present state of such pipes and also as to the safety of continuing that mode of heating.

Resolved

That in the opinion of this Committee it is desirable to secure for the Borough the services of Colonel Hogg in the Police when the opportunity of so doing shall arrive. And that in case any suitable situation shall become vacant it be offered to Colonel Hogg for his acceptance.

Meeting 31^st October 1842

The following letter addressed by of order of the Mayor, from the Chief Constable to Mr Superintendent Allcock was read out:

Town Hall, Manchester

29^th October 1842

Sir,

I am directed to acquaint you by order of the Mayor that a special meeting of the Watch Committee will be held on Monday next at 3.00pm to inquire into certain charges affecting you own conduct and character as stated below. You will therefore be pleased to be in attendance at the above named hour with such witnesses as you deem necessary.

Substance of Charges

That during the last two and a half years you have been frequently in a state of intoxication.

That on two or three occasions you have been assisted home whilst in a state of intoxication by Officers in the Police Force.

That you have forgiven men for drunkenness and other offences when they ought to have been reported to Sir Charles Shaw.

That you have omitted visiting your station for three or four days together, during which time the reports have been set to your house for signature, and have in some instances been signed by other parties, as on being in such a state as not to be able to affix your own signature.

That early in the present month Inspector Leary called at your home to see you on business, but in consequence of you being in state of intoxication he was obliged to leave without executing his mission.

That you were drinking on the evening of the 25^th October and on the morning of the 26^th did not attend at the Station House to sign the reports which had to be sent to your house for signature.

Edward Willis

Chief Constable

Manchester Police.

The following witnesses were brought before the Committee and examined: Inspector Leary, Police Constable Lawrence O'Neil, Inspectors, Pegus and McDonald, Police Constables Campbell and Ward.

A further three meetings were convened to discuss and hear witnesses about the above and other matters.

Meeting 3^rd November 1842

The charges against Mr Superintendent Allcock having been further considered and the evidence given recapitulated the following resolutions were adopted by the Committee.

That the evidence adduced is insufficient to prove general habits of intoxication, but that the Committee is satisfied from the evidence brought before them that Mr Allcock has been on certain occasions seen intoxicated.

That the charge that Mr Superintendent Allcock has forgiven men for drunkenness and other offences when they ought to have been reported to Sir Charles Shaw has been proved by the evidence submitted to the Committee

That it has been proved that Mr Superintendent Allcock has omitted for one or more days together to visit his station, and that reports have been frequently set to his house for signature.

That the charge that Mr Inspector Leary called at Mr Superintendent Allcock's house to see him on business early in the month of October last, but, in consequence of his being in a state of intoxication, was oblige to leave without executing his mission, is considered by this Committee as proved.

That the fact that Mr Superintendent Allcock was in the Oxford Road Inn of the evening of 25^th October is admitted by Mr Superintendent Allcock, but that there is no evidence to satisfy the Committee that he signed the morning sheets at his house on the following morning,

That Mr Cyrus Allcock be displaced from the situation which he now holds as one of the Superintendents in the Police Force; but in consideration of past services as an Officer of the Police, and of the testimony borne by many to his character in past years, Mr Allcock still be allowed to remain in the Police as Inspector in the hope that by his subsequent conduct he may be enabled to regain the full confidence of the Watch Committee.

Meeting 7^th November 1842

The minutes of the last meeting and also the special meeting held for the consideration of the charges against Mr Allcock the late Superintendent of Police were read and found to be correct.

The names of the following parties were brought before the Committee by Captain Willis as candidates for the situation of Superintendent now vacant together with testimonials which had been handed to him by such parties:

Mr Inspector Irvin

Mr Inspector Taylor

Mr Inspector Green

Colonel Hogg

Resolved

That Inspector John Taylor be and hereby is appointed Superintendent in the Police Force of this Borough at a salary of £150 per annum, subject to three months notice in case the Watch Committee shall at any time hereafter consider his services no longer required.

That after the information which has been this day given of the proposals made to Mr Beswick by Colonel Hogg, this Committee is of the opinion that they cannot with propriety offer Colonel Hogg any situation in the Police Force and that a copy of this resolution by transmitted by the Town Clerk to Colonel Hogg.

Meeting 11^th November 1842

Resolved

That the Chief Constable be requested to confer with the Chairman upon the plan which he proposes for the reorganisation of the Police Force of the Borough prior to such plans being submitted to the consideration of the Committee.

Meeting 17^th November 1842

Resolved

That it appears to this Committee that individuals employed in the Constabulary Force of this Borough have induced Gentlemen supposed to possess influence to solicit from members of this Committee promotion for themselves in the Force.

That the Committee disapprove of such conduct , being of the opinion that every man ought to rely on the regular and efficient performance of his duty being duly appreciated and rewarded by those who are entrusted with the direction of the Force, and every attempt on the part of any individual Officer in the employ of this Committee to obtain advantage for himself by such means will be considered an offence and treated accordingly.

That the above resolution be communicated to the whole Force by the Superintendents and be printed and placed up in a conspicuous situation in the several stations.

Meeting 24^th November 1842

Resolved

That the 50 Police Constables appointed only temporarily be added permanently to the Police Force of this Borough.

That in the re-arrangement of the Force the rank of Sergeant of whom there are 36, shall be discontinued, and that the number of sub-inspectors be increased form 12 to 33.

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Meeting 28^th November 1842

The Town Clerk begs to communicate to the Watch committee the fol owing resolution agreed to at a meeting of the Finance Committee of the Town Council:

That the Watch Committee be requested to report with as little delay as possible what amount, if any , it will be necessary to include on account of the expenses of the Police in the estimates to be submitted to the Council for the Borough rate for the year beginning May 1842 and ending May 1843.

The Town Clerk begs further to report that the Police rate made by the late Chief Commissioner (Sir Charles Shaw)for defraying the expenses of the Police of the Borough from 17^th April 1842 to the 17^th April 1843 amounts to the sum of £20786 14s 7d.

That the amount of expenses incurred on account of the Police up to the 30^th September1842 (as appeared by the returns obtained from the Receiver of Police) amounted to £ 12379 17s 7 1/2d leaving as the amount which will be payable to the Borough Fund out of the Police Rate of Sir Charles Shaw towards the expenses of the Police from 1^st October1842 when the Watch Committee resumed the control up to 1^st May 1843, the end of the Financial Year of the Council the sum of £8388 17s 0d.

The Town Clerk suggests that in estimating the additional amount to be required for the Police up to May 1843, the Watch Committee had better not calculate upon more than £8000 being recovered from Sir Charles Shaw's rate, as in all probability, there may be further expenses not included in the return obtained from the Receiver.

Statement of expenses incurred by Sir Charles Shaw for the maintenance of the Police Force from the seventeenth day of April( the commencement of the Police Year) to the thirteenth of September inclusive 1842.

Resolved

That the sum of £5 each be paid out of the Fine Fund to Inspector Dale ,and Police Constable Lee and Bagnall as a reward for their courageous conduct and as a recompense for injuries received in the Police Service in an attack by a riotous mob in Granby Row during the late disturbances.

Resolved that the sum of 10 shillings be paid out of the Fine Fund to Police Constable for the discovery of a fire in [blank] Street and 7/6 to Sergeant W Hugh for his exertions in extinguishing such fire before the arrival of the engines.

Meeting 2^nd December 1842

Resolved

That the Chief Constable be authorised to secure the of rooms in the Town's Offices Jacksons Lane, Hulme as a Police Station subject to it being permanently adopted as a station by the Committee. That steps be taken forwith for giving up the house formerly used as a Station House in Moss Lane, Hulme.

That the Chief Constable give notice to the following parties now holding the ranks and receiving the pay set opposite their names, that their services in this Force after the 13^th Dec can only be retained as Police Constables at 17 shillings per week.

Resolved

That the Chief Constable be authorised to apply to the Chief Constable of the County of Lancaster Constabulary or Mr Whitby of the Liverpool Police Force to know if they have in their forces an officer that they can recommend for appointment by this Committee as sub inspector at the wage of 30 Shillings per week.

Meeting 8^th December 1842

Resolved

That John Robinson Sergeant in the County of Lancaster Constabulary Force, under the recommendation of of Captain Woodford be and is hereby appointed inspector in the Police Force at the wage of 30 shillings per week.

Meeting 15^th December 1842

Resolved

That this Committee have learned that Testimonials of respect purchased with contributions obtained from the Officers and constables under their immediate control have been presented to and accepted by several of the superior Officers of the Force.

That this Committee whilst disposed to view with satisfaction evidence of cordiality between the Officers and men under their direction feel called upon to express their disapproval of any such practice as that referred to, being convinced that it is fraught with injurious consequences to the Police Service, having a tendency to weaken the moral influence which the superior Officers ought to possess over the men placed under their control and thereby to impair the general efficiency of the Force

That the resolution be communicated by the Chief Constable to the Force.

Meeting 26^th December 1842

The Chief Constables Report as to the plan upon which he proposed to reorganise the Constabulary Force having been read.

Resolved

That the plan now submitted by the Chief Constable be approved of and adopted by this Committee so far as regards the proposed number of the Constabulary Force.

Resolved

That the ten men whom the Chief Constable was authorised to employ temporarily in the D Division on the the 2^nd December:

Be and are hereby appointed Constables of the Borough of Manchester.

Resolved

That the Chief Constable be authorised at once to employ ten additional men :-

3 men in A Division

5 men in C Division

2 men in D Division

and that the parties to be so employed be brought forward for appointment as Constables of the Borough at the next meeting of the Committee.

Resolved

That the Finance Committee be informed that in the estimate of the Borough Rate for the current year about to be submitted to the Council , the sum of £5000 must be included as the amount which will be required on account of the expenses of the Constabulary Force of the Borough up to the 1^st May 1843.

Meeting 19^th December1842

The Chief Constable reported that the estimate cost of clothing for the Force had been omitted in the estimate submitted at the last meeting.

Resolved

That the Finance committee be informed that in the estimate for the Borough Rate for the current year about to be submitted to the Council , the sum of £6000 must be included as the amount which will be required on account of the expenses of the Constabulary Force of the Borough up to the 1^st May 1843.

Resolved

That the sum of £1 0s 0d be paid to PC Greenhalgh out of the “Fine Fund” as a reward for great zeal and exertion in the discharge of his duty.

Resolved

That the Chairman be requested to ascertain the probable terms upon which a portion of the arching under the Railway Station London road would be let by the Birmingham Railway Co for the purpose of a Police Station for the C Division.

Resolved

That the following ten men having been temporarily employed by the Chief Constable in compliance with the resolution at the last Committee Meeting , be and hereby are appointed Constables of the Borough:

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Meeting 29^th December 1842

That the following estimate of pay to the Officers and Constables of force for week ending Dec 27^th submitted by the Chief Constable be approved of signed by the Chairman and transmitted to the Finance Committee for payment:

A Division £88 10s 0d

B Division £81 1s 9d

C Division £75 3s 11d

D Division £75 6s 5d

Detective Force* £23 17s 0d

*This is the first occasion that the Detective Force (later E Division) was included in the weekly pay estimates.

Meeting 12^th January1843

Resolved

That Alfred Hadwen Fell now acting as Clerk be and is hereby appointed an Inspector in the Police Force in the place of John McKnight who has resigned at the wage or salary of 30/- per week.

Resolved

That PC Lawrence O'Neil be hereby is appointer sub inspector in the Police Force in the place of Campbell Regis who has resigned.

Resolved

That the Chief Constable be and he is hereby authorised and empowered on behalf of this Committee to adjudicate in all cases of complaint made against any Officer in the Force in which in the opinion of the chief Constable a fine not exceeding the sum of 10/- shall be an adequate punishment for the Officer charged, the chief Constable reporting to this

committee full particulars of all case brought before and adjudicated upon by him at every meeting.

Resolved

That the Chief Constable be directed to bring before this Committee all case in which the infliction of a larger fine or the possibility of dismissal form the Service may in the opinion of the Chief Constable be required.

Resolved

That the Chief Constable be authorised to employ forthwith 5 additional men to act as patrols on several of te principal roads leading out of the Borough as recommended in the report this presented to the Committee by the Chief Constable, and that such parties be brought before the Committee for appointment as Police Constables at the next meeting.

Resolved

That the two Police Constables placed temporarily on duty at the Station House Great Jackson Street, Hulme be permanently continued; and that the two men employed by the Chief Constable to supply their places in the D division be brought before the Committee for appointment at the next meeting.

Meeting 20^th January 1843

Resolved

That PC Thomas Maybury be and he is appointed sub inspector in the Force in place of John Maybury* who has been promoted to the rank of Inspector in the Detective Department.

*This appears to be the same man who was involved in the inquiry into the attack on the Police Van when the first Policeman in Manchester was murdered. See here.

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the Committee be and hereby appointed Constables in the Force: William Cahill, John Frith, Peter Shenton, John Horrocks (possibly Shorrocks) and William Braodby.

Meeting 27^th January 1843

Resolved

That the Chairman empowered if he and the Chief constable think it desirable to take from the Directors of the Manchester and Birmingham Railway Company two of their arches at the London road Station for the purposes of the Police upon the most favourable terms that they may be able to manage.

The following letter addressed to the Mayor by order of Sir James Graham [Home Secretary] was brought before the Committee by the Mayor.

Whitehall 21 January1843

Sir,

I am directed by Sir James Graham to inform you that it has been represented to him that there are in Manchester various shooting galleries, which are open in the evening from 5 till 11 and on Saturdays till 12 o'clock – that these galleries are frequented by young men of the Working Classes – that the charge is a penny for each shot- that sometimes from 700 to 1000 shots are fired of an evening – and that several of these galleries are in Public Houses – some of the situations named to Sir James Graham are The Bull's Head; The Rainbow Inn, Salford; a room in the Garratt Road, another at the Salford end of Victoria Bridge.

Sir James has directed me to call your attention to this subject and to request that you call to it also the attention of the Watch Committee.

JM Phillipp

Reports from the several Superintendents were also made. - from which it appeared that very few parties attended either of the two galleries existing in Manchester, and that no complaints either from the inhabitants in their vicinity or by other parties had been for some time past made to the Police.

Meeting 3^rd February 1843

Resolved

That Police Constable James Glass be appointed Sub-Inspector in the place of Francis Beamish who has been reduced to the rank of Police Constable.

Resolved

That John Linton be appointed Clerk in the Detective Office at the wage of 17/- a week and that he be sworn in as a Police Constable.

The Chairman reported that he and captain Willis had inspected the arches at the London Road Railway Station which the Committee authorised them to take for the use of the Police Force and had found that they were damp and quite unsuited to the purpose of a Station and the Chairman therefore recommended that the negotiation be given up which the Committee approved of.

Resolved that the following parties having appeared before the Committee are appointed as Police Constables.

Meeting 10^th February1843

Resolved

That the following men having appeared before the Committee are appointed as Police Constables of the Borough.

Meeting 21^st February 1843

Resolved

That in the opinion of this Committee it is absolutely necessary that a more convenient Police station be forthwith erected for the C Division and that it is desirable that accommodation should be at the time if possible for the assemblage and drilling of a considerable number of the Police, and that steps be taken without delay for the erection of such station and the obtaining of such accommodation.

Resolved

That the Committee agree to negotiate the purchase of land in Fairfield St from Mr Crompton for the purpose of building a Police Station for C Division.

Meeting 6^th March 1843

This meeting was specially summoned for the consideration of charges made against Mr Inspector Allcock, and which were disposed of as recorded in the Chief Constables' Report Book, page 62.

Meeting 8^th March 1843

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before this Committee are appointed Police Constables:

Thomas Parkinson

Edward Jones

Meeting 30^th March 1843

The Gentlemen deputed to inspect the premises at Knott Mill lately occupied as a lock-up, and to ascertain the expense of fitting up the same for the purposes of a lock-up reported that such premises were held on leave by the Commissioners of Police for the Township of Manchester at a rent of £35 per annum and that they were very suitable premises for a lock-up. They also reported that the owner of the property was willing to make the necessary alterations and repairs to render the same fit for the occupation of the Police without charging any additional rent.

The gentlemen deputed to agree on behalf of the Committee for the purchase of a plot of land in Fairfield St offered by Mr Crompton reported that the said plot of land contained, including the measurements into the street, 1310 imperial square yards of land and was offered to the Council at 1/2d per sq yd and that such plot contained 1121 3/9 sq yds of building land.

Meeting 6^th April 1843

Resolved

That Sergeant Davies and Corporal Jennings the parties sent by the Colonel of the Grenadier Guards at the request of Captain Willis [for the purposes of instructing drill to the Police Force] having appeared before the Committee are hereby appointed Police Constables.

Resolved

That Sub-Inspector William Telford is hereby promoted to the rank of Inspector at the wage of 30/- per week and that Police Constable Richard Harris is hereby promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector at the wage of 25/- per week.

Resolved

That Henry Grundy having appeared before the Committee is hereby appointed Clerk in the Detective Office at the salary of £65 per annum commencing on the 6^th March and that he be sworn in as a Constable of the Borough.

Resolved

That members of the Committee confer with the managers of of the Ancoats and Chorlton upon Medlock Dispensaries for the purpose of ascertaining whether any and [what] arrangements can be made for the required medical attendance being given from the these Institutions upon the members of the B, C, & D Divisions of the Police Force – and generally to report what arrangements to appear desirable for the medical attendance on the whole Force.

Resolved

That John Hall and John Rycroft having appeared before the Committee are hereby appointed Police Constables.

Meeting 20^th April 1843

Resolved

That Police Constable John Buckley be promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector and is herby appointed Sub-Inspector of the Police Force in place of Sub-inspector Isaac Lomas dismissed.

That the following Parties having appeared before this Committee are appointed Police Constables for the Borough.

Special Meeting 22^nd April 1843

Resolved

That the plans and specifications of the Police Station proposed to be erected on the land in Fairfield Street now submitted are approved.

That the Chief Constable under the direction of the Chairman cause advertisements to be inserted in the Manchester newspapers for tenders for the erection of the works included in such specifications, it having been stated in such advertisements that the Committee will not be bound to accept the lowest tender and that all tenders must be delivered on or before the 10^th day of May next, and that such tenders be submitted hereafter to their Committee for examination and determination therein.

Meeting 27^th April 1843

Resolved

That Sub-Inspector McDermott is hereby promoted to the rank of Inspector at the wage of 30/- per week.

That Police Constable E Gosling is hereby promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector at the wages of 25/- in place of Wilson reduced.

Resolved

That the Chairman be requested to consult with the Chief Constable as to the best form of a “Reward and Fine Book” for recording the conduct of the officers of the force.

Resolved
That the Chief Constable be instructed to get the necessary repairs made in the Police Van for rendering secure.

Resolved

That the Chief Constable be requested to consider what will be the best plan for constructing a Police Van which will obviate the inconveniences of the present one. Are hereby appointed Police constables.

Resolved

That James Margerison and Elijah Booth having appeared before the Committee.

Resolved

That if any Officer or Police Constable shall be in the Sick List 21 days from illness which had not been caused by injuries received in the Police Service, or shall have been 21 days sick out of 60 consecutive days his whole pay shall be stopped for each succeeding day that he shall remain in the Sick Report – not including however such cases as in the opinion of the Chief Constable ought to form exceptions to this rule, and which exception the Chief Constable is hereby instructed to report specially for the determination of this committee thereon.

Meeting 4^th May 1843

Resolved

That selected members of the Committee and the Chief Constable examine the state of the Oldham Rd Police Station House and premises and to report back thereon to this Committee and further to give directions for the immediate repairs of the roof and such parts of the out side of the said premises as shall appear to them to be necessary.

The report of the Chief Constable on the estimate of expenses to be incurred in the maintenance of the Constabulary Force during the current year having been read:

Ordered

That the report now read be entered upon the Minutes of this Committees proceedings:

30 April 1843

The Chief Constables submits to the Watch Committee the following estimate of money which will be required to cover the expenses of Constabulary Force from the 1^st of May 1843 to the 1^st day May 1844

In submitting this estimate the Chief Constable begs to observe that he has calculated for every contingency on a scale amply adequate to meet all the wants of the Police Service -[as expected. As to the] gross amount, the Chief Constable would remind the Committee that since the first report was submitted the Police Force has been increased by 7 permanent Constables + 12 supernumeraries, that 2 new stations viz: Jacksons Lane and Knott Mill have been taken on lease, and that the rent at the Station at Chorlton upon Medlock [Town] Hall has been slightly increased.

The gross sum expended on account of the Police from 1^st October to 30^th April amounted to £14620 19s 7d. In this sum however are included considerable amounts which cannot be classed under the head of ordinary expenditure , but may be considered as an extraordinary outlay to furnish the force with various articles of equipment &c necessary for its efficiency and of which was in great measure deficient – some of the articles such as handcuffs, lamps, rattles and staves are calculated to last for many years, and others such as belts, collar ornaments and numbers from 3 to 4 years, and capes, stocks and armlets for 2 years; in the supply of such articles the sum of £500 has been expended. There has been greater expense in books than will hereafter occur within any single year, as complete new sets of for the various departments were obliged to be furnished on the Committee assuming charge of the Force, several of which, are calculated to last during 2 years. In clothing the sum of £1985 has been expended “ the clothes being completely worn out when the Force was given up to the Committee” but as the cloth used is of a superior quality the Chief Constable has only thought it necessary in the present years estimate to provide for the supply of an additional pair of trousers for each man and for general repairs.

The Chief Constable assures the Committee that it has been his study to economise the expenditure of the Police Force as much as possible and although he may not have succeeded in reducing the expense quite as much as he eventually hopes to be able to do, he can safely say that much has been saved on former prices and that matters are in training for obtaining everything on the lowest scale compatible with efficiency.

The Chief Constable feels confident that the estimate which was submitted shortly after he had the honour of receiving his appointment from the Watch Committee will in no way be exceeded except to a small extent of the extra expense that has been incurred by the addition to the Force of 7 permanent Constables and 12 Supernumeraries since the estimate was prepared.

In order that the Committee may be enable to judge what the expense of the present Force is as compared with the Force that preceded it the Chief Constable submits the following statement.

The total strength of the Police Force including all ranks under Sir Charles Shaw on the day prior to the watch Committee resuming control was 318 persons. According however to a calculation made from returns rendered on the last day of each month during the three years that Sir Charles Shaw had command the gross numbers give an annual average of 328 persons of all ranks as the strength of the Police Force.

The gross expense of the Force during the 3 years amounted to £69895 16s 2 1/4d – the annual average expense to £23928 12s 0 3/4d and the average annual cost of each individual of £71 0s 7 3/4d.

At different periods during Sir Charles Shaw's command there were two classes of low paid Constables beside those who received wages of 17/- per week . One class consisted of about 20 men who during the 3 years were employed for about 2 months at wages of about 7 shillings - and the other class averaging about 50 persons who were employed for about 21 months at wages of 14/- a week. The effect of which was to make the strength of the Force appear greater for the amount of money expended than would have shewn had the wages of all Constables employed been 17/- per week.

The numbers the present Police Force including all ranks (except the Supernumeraries) is 390 persons of whom none are receiving less than 17/- per week. In addition there are also 12 Supernumeraries, but as the expense of these men only averages two thirds of what the gross pay of the whole 12 at 17/- per week would amount to, only 8 of them have been included in the estimate. Including 8 of the 12 Supernumeraries the gross number of the Force receiving full pay is 398 persons and as the estimate of the current year is £22849 9s 2d the 398 will average an expense per each individual of £57 8s 2 1/2d. In this years estimate however as before stated only a portion of what may be termed the general annual expense of clothing has included, but supposing the whole had been £1611 15s 0d making the gross amount £24461 4s 2d and the average expense per head of £61 9s 2 1/4d.

The annual Tabular statement will show the Committee at one view the relative average strength expense and cost of the present Force and of the Force under Sir Charles Shaw.

Signed

Edward Willis

Chief Constable

Resolved

That Thomas Ainsworth having appeared before the Committee is hereby appointed a Police Constable.

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Meeting 11^th May 1843

Report

[Re Medical Attendance]

The deputed gentlemen reported that no satisfactory arrangements could be made with the Medical Institutions named for the attention of the Constables of B C & D Divisions of the Force – and further that sufficient data could not be obtained to enable them satisfactorily to advise that any alteration should be made in the present arrangements for Medical Attendance, but recommended that the Chief Constable should be directed to keep a record of all cases in which any inconvenience may arise or in which any complaints may be made of insufficient attendance under the present system so that the Committee may hereafter be better prepared fully to consider the subject.

Meeting 18^th May 1843

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the committee are hereby appointed Police Constables:

Meeting 8^th June 1843

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the Committee are hereby appointed Police Constables:

Meeting 5^th June 1843

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the Committee hereby are appointed Police Constables.

Meeting 22^nd June 843

Resolved

That P C John McConnell be and he is hereby promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector in place of [no name given] Mc Dermott who has been promoted to the rank of Inspector.

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the Committee are hereby pointed Police Constables:

Meeting 29^th June 1843

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the Committee are hereby appointed Constables of the Borough:

Henry Hindley and John Hodgkinson.

The Gentlemen deputed by the committee on 15^th June to report upon the state of the repairs in progress at the Oldham Rd Station made the following report:

That the roof has been repaired at the expense of the Commissioners of Police and is now in good order - and that the heating apparatus has been completed and works satisfactorily.

The nuisances caused by the soughs [underground channel] of the Water Closets and other soughs cannot be effectually remedied until a proper main sewer is made into which they may be carried. The want of better drainage causes not only a great nuisance but also an annual expenditure of about 34 in opening and cleaning the sough as they are frequently filled up for want of a sufficient fall. Mr Shortland has not yet made his final report in reference to the drining, but he has promised to examine certain plans from which he can collect information + which will enable the Watch committee to decide as to the best means of obtaining the requisite drainage at the least expense, and report therein in a day or two.

The undersigned suggest the necessity of improving the ventilation of the cells which is very imperfect and they also recommend that the walls and ceilings of the whole of the interior of the building be painted and lime washed immediately.

A great portion of the lobby of the Station House is partitioned off and occupied as a charge office, and as the Police Officers are very much inconvenienced for want of sufficient space in which to assemble, the undersigned earnestly recommend the substitution of the room on the right hand side of the lobby which is more suitable for the purpose of a charge charge office and is not used for any purpose whatever.

These alterations might be made at a trifling expense, and would [????ically conduce] to the comfort and convenience of the Police Officers of the B Division of the Force.

The following resolution was adopted at the meeting of the Council on 28^th June 1843

That the entire control and management of the Fire Engine Department of the Township of Manchester...is hereby vested in the Watch Committee for the Borough...

Ordered

That Mr Ross The Superintendent of the Fire Engine Establishment be instructed to lay before the next meeting of the Committee a statement of the numbers and duties of the Officers and [servants] employed in the Fire Engine Department, and the salaries and wages paid to them , and also to report generally as to the system heretofore adopted for the management of the Fire Engine Establishment.

Meeting 6^th July 1843

Resolved That the following parties having appeared before the Committee are hereby appointed Police Constables:

Meeting 13^th July 1843

Resolved

That the following parties having been before the Committee are hereby appointed Constables of the Borough.

Mr John Kelly the Clerk to the Surveyors of Highways for the Township of Manchester having applied to the Committee to swear in as a Constable a person engaged by the Surveyors on serving Summonses and Notices for the recovery of the Highway Rates.

Resolved

That the Surveyors of Highways be informed that this Committee have appointed Officer to serve the summonses granted by the Magistrate at the Borough Court and that it appears to this Committee to be undesirable to swear in an person as a Constable who is not under their control and direction, or the control or direction of the Council.

Resolved

That in case any civilian make a complaint against any of the Constables of the Force, such complaint be invariably referred to the Watch Committee.

Meeting 20^th July 1843

Resolved

That John Marsland having appeared before this Committee is hereby appointed a Constable of this Borough.

The following extract from the minutes of the Lamp Scavenging and Hackney Coach Committee of the Township of Manchester of the 24^th July 1843:

That the Watch Committee be informed that this Committee is willing to furnish horses and a driver for the prisoners' van for the sum of £126 per annum; and that if this offer be accepted this Committee will purchase the horses and harness at present in use for that vehicle at a valuation.

Resolved

That the offer of the Lamp, Scavenging and Hackney Coach Committee be accepted. It being understood that the driver with horse shall attend whenever required to do so by the Chief Consatable or the Officers acting under his direction.

Resolved

That the Chief Constable be authorised to dispose of the horses and harness now belonging to this Committee to the Lamp Scavenging and Hackney Coach Committee for the best price which may be able to obtain for the same.

The following resolution of the Nuisance Committee for the Township of Manchester having been read:

That a copy of the List of Nuisances and Offences against the several Acts of Parliament in force within this Township prepared by the sub Committee appointed at the last meeting be transmitted to the Watch Committee for the Borough of Manchester and that such Committee be requested to give the necessary instructions to the Police Force to report any of the offences enumerated in each list which may come under the notice of the Police Officers, to the Superintendent of the Nuisances Department acting under the direction of this Committee.

Resolved

That in accordance with what is stated to be the practice of the Chief Constable it be an instruction from this Committee to the Chief Constable that in case an inhabitant or other person not connected with the Police Force

make a complaint against the Police Force, the Chief Constable give to the party or parties so complaining the option of bringing the same before the Committee and that the resolution agreed on the 13^th is hereby rescinded.

The Town Clerk having reported that an action had been commenced against Sub-Inspector Maybury and two constables for trespass, when as it appears from the report made by Mr Superintendent Sawley they were properly acting in the discharge of their duty.

Resolved

That the Town Clerk defend the said action so far as relates to the defendants who are members of the Police Force.

Meeting 10^th August 1843

Resolved

That in the opinion of this Committee it is desirable that Police Constable John Davies and Police Constable John Jennings employed in drilling the Force should hereafter hold the rank and receive the pay of Sub-Inspectors instead of Police Constables, being still continued as Drill Officers.

The following extract from the minutes of the Nuisances Committee for the Township of Manchester was read:

That application be made to the Watch Committee to swear in as Constables of the Borough – the Inspectors of Nuisances acting for the Township of Manchester.

Resolved

That the following parties being employed as Inspectors of Nuisances in the Township of Manchestderby the Nuisances Committee of the Town Council be sworn in as Constables of the Borough:

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the Committee are hereby appointed Constables of the Borough – Edward Henry and Henry McDonald.

Meeting 24^th August 1843

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the Committee are hereby appointed Constables of the Borough:

Meeting 31^st August 1843

Report

To consider and report upon the resolution of the Nuisance Committee transmitting the list of Nuisances and Offenders against the several local Acts now in and around the Township of Manchester of which the Nuisance Committee wish the Police to take cognizance.

That it appear desirable that the Police should so far as practicable assist in suppressing and preventing nuisances affecting the public throughout the Borough. That the assistance now sought within the Township of Manchester is already rendered by the Police with much practical benefit in the Township of Chorlton upon Medlock: and we recommend that the application made on behalf of the Nuisance Committee for the Township of Manchester be complied with; and that the Chief Constable be authorised to give the necessary instructions for securing the aid and co-operation of the Police in the suppression of of the various nuisances and offences against the Local Police Acts particularized in the list transmitted to the Watch Committee in the suppression of all which offences it appears that the assistance of the Police may without such inconvenience and with great benefit to the Public be rendered.

Memorandum

The Chief Constable having reported that it was necessary to supply the Constables with a second pair of trousers.

Resolved

That the necessary steps be taken to provide the above.

Resolved

That William Rigge and Samuel Dibley being employed as Inspectors Of Nuisances in the Township of Manchester by the Nuisance Committee of the Council be sworn in as Constables of the Borough.

Meeting 7^th September 1843

Resolved

That deputed members be requester to examine and report upon the account sent in by the Commissioners of Police for the Township of Hulme for rent and expenses of the Station House, Great Jackson St, Hulme: and also as to the amount which ought to be hereafter paid for the expense of gas and coals at such station.

Resolved and Ordered

That the following regulations be and they are hereby adopted in relation to the repairing of the Police Clothing and payment of the expense thereof: and that the same be enforced under the direction of the Chief Constable.

That as a general rule all Constables shall be required to keep at their own expense their Police clothing in a creditable state of repair.

That one half of the expense be allowed and paid for by Committee when the clothes are repaired by the tailor appointed by the Committee to undertake general repairs.

That in all cases of damage to the clothing arising carelessness or wilful neglect the same shall be repaired by the tailor so appointed and the Constable charged with the whole of the expense; and also be required to such extra sums for damage as the Chief Constable may think reasonable and just.

That in all cases of damage to the clothing which may arise in the discharge of his duty the constable shall not be charged with the expense of the repair, but the same shall be repaired by the Police tailor and the expense paid by the Committee.

That in order to ensure the clothing being kept in a creditable state of repair each Superintendent shall have a weekly inspection of the clothing in his Division and shall at such inspection as also at all other times when he perceives that any constables clothing requires repairing, direct him to get the same repaired previous to his next appearance on duty; and in case of his neglect shall send the clothing to the Town Hall to be presented to the police tailor.

That a copy of these regulations to be placed in each of the Stations along with the other regulations of the Force

Resolved

That in all cases in which information is given by any members of the Police Force under the Acts regulating the Excise which shall entitle him as the informer to a reward, the amount payable by law to the informer shall be applied for and the payment thereof be obtained from the Officers of the Excise under the direction of the Chief Constable.

That all amount so received shall be paid by the Chief Constable to the credit of the fund out of which the rewards given by the Committee to the Police are paid.

Meeting 14^th September 1843

Letter to Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace acting in and for the Borough of Manchester in the County of Lancaster, and also to the Watch Committee of the said Borough.

I the undersigned being an agent duly authorised by the Trustees appointed in pursuances of the Last Will and Testament of the Late Duke of Bridgewater, and proprietors of a certain canal situate lying and being within the several Townships of Manchester and Hulme within the said Borough, do, acting in management of the canal affairs of the said proprietors hereby respectfully request that you the said Justices or any two of you on the said Watch Committee to appoint Eugene Kelly aged 28 years and Peter Royle aged 47 years to be Constables on and along such canal and such part of the River Medlock as is navigable and connected with the said canal pursuant to the provisions as an Act of Parliament passed in the 3^rd and 4^th year of the present Reign entitled “An act to provide for Keeping the Peace on Canals and Navigable Rivers” as witness my hands the eighth day of September 1843.

Signed

George Marsden

Resolved

That in compliance with the above request. Eugene Riley and Peter Royle having appeared before the Committee are appointed Constables of the Borough of Manchester.

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the Committee are appointed Constables of the Borough.

The following extract from the minutes of the Nuisance Committee for the township of Manchester were read out:

That the Watch Committee be respectfully recommended to appoint as Police Constables John Lever and Samuel Dibley, Night Inspectors of Nuisances: their services not being longer required by this Committee in consequence of the Police Constables being appointed to take cognizance of nuisance.

Resolved

John Lever and Samuel Dibbley having appeared before the Committee and declined to be appointed as Police Constables and that the Nuisance Committee be informed.

Meeting 29^th September 1843.

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the Committee are hereby appointed Constables of the Borough:

Meeting 12^th October 1843

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the Committee and are hereby appointed Constables of the Borough: Abraham Dutton, John Reddish and Francis Foster.

Meeting 19^th October 1843

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the Committee and are hereby appointed Constables of the Borough: Henry Keenan, William Alcock and Andrew Hutton.

Resolved

That Police Constable John Johnson having appeared before the Committee is hereby appointed Sub-Inspector in the D Division in place of Sub-Inspector Eugene resigned.

Meeting 26^th October 1843

Resolved

That Samuel Whittaker having appeared before the Committee is hereby appointed a Constable of the Borough.

Meeting 1^st November 1843

Resolved

That the following estimate of pay to the Officers and Constables of the force for the week ending October 31^st and salaries to the superior Offices to the same date, are now submitted by the Chief Constable, be approve and that a copy of such estimate signed by the Chairman be transmitted to the Finance Committee for Payment

Resolved

That Thomas Harrison and Luke Ryan having appeared before the committee are hereby appointed Constables of the Borough.

Meeting 16^th November 1843

Resolved

That the following parties having appeared before the Committee are hereby appointed Constables of the Borough:

Mr Kelly Collector of Excise in Manchester as requested by the Board of Excise in a letter which he read applied to the Committee to know if they persisted in the application made by the Chief Constable for the penalty in the case of Francis Cox and stated that the officer engaged in the case had made in the first instance a private arrangement with the Policy Constable Knox which he had carried out and that he had paid the amount fixed.

Resolved

That any private arrangement made between any officer of the Excise and the Police Constable had been without the sanction and in direct violation of the Resolutions and Orders of this Committee.

That this Committee consider that the penalty payable or paid for the information given in the cases of Francis Knox and the Bay Horse and which resulted in his being convicted in the instigated penalty of £25 and for which penalty application was made to the Honourable Board of Excise by the Chief Constable in the letter addressed to them on the 3^rd October last in pursuance of the Resolutions of this Committee ought to be paid to this Committee...

Memorandum

The following extract from the minutes of the Nuisance Committee for the township of Manchester was read:

That Captain Willis, the Chief Constable, be requested to give the necessary instructions to the night Police, to pay particular attention the nuisances arising from night or chamber utensils being emptied in the streets, and to report al parties found offending; and also that the Police report at this office every morning where night soil has been got out and left in the streets, in order that the same may be removed as soon as possible afterwards.

That application be made to the Chief Constable to allow the Police Constables to assist in the distribution of the footpath notices, and to serve the Committee's summonses in all those cases reported by the Police.

Resolved

That the Chief Constable reports on the above at the next meeting.

Meeting 30^th November 1843

Resolved

That P C Joseph Clarke having appeared before the Committee is hereby appointed Sub-Inspector in the place of Wilson reduced to the rank of Police Constable.

Resolved that Newland Garside having appeared before the Committee is hereby appointed a Police Constable of the Borough.

Meeting 7^th December 1843

Resolved

That William Lawton and John Parr having appeared before the Committee are hereby appointed Police Constables in the Borough.

Meeting 21^st December 1843

Resolved

That Joseph Sumner having appeared before the Committee is hereby appointed Police Constable of the Borough.

Memorandum

Adam Johnson and Thomas Henry Turner the messengers employed in serving summonses and warrants in the recovery of the Police Rate for the Township of Manchester appeared before the Committee and for the purposes of enabling them to legally to serve such summonses and warrants were sworn in as Constables of the Borough.

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