Chief Constable

• Chief Constable; 1835-20th century

The first city police force and chief constable were established in 1835. In 1925 there were 107 members of the force.
Reported to Watch Committee. Full responsibility for policing transferred to Corporation in 1835 from Magistrates and Parish Constables. Instructed Superintedendent and Deputy Chief Constable.

Required by Municipal Corporations Act 1835.

Managed police department. Primary task of police force was initially to prevent, rather than investigate, crime. Patrolled the city and suburbs, responded to calls, directed traffic, issued dog licences, registered aliens, inspected weight and measures and locked the bar walls. From 1875 also manned the fire brigade. Gained responsibility for theatre and cinema licensing. This post was supported by a Superintendent and Deputy Chief Constable.

By the 1950s the Police department employed both police and civilian staff in four sections: Chief Clerk's, Criminal Investigation, Summons and Warrant, and Charge Room and Communications Control. In the mid twenieth century this post also supervised a separate Local Taxation Department to which were delegated licensing responsibilities (road, driving, hackney carriages, game dealers) and the Fire Brigade.

The first city police force and chief constable were established in 1835. In 1925 there were 107 members of the force.

International Standard Archival Authority Record for Corporate Bodies, Persons and Families - ISAAR(CPF) - Ottawa

JBM How York Governs Itself, BC 8.1, CYC 1956-1958 Review of Administration