Watch Committee

• Watch Committee; 1836-1949

• Watch and Fire Services Committee (1949-1965) Watch Committee (1965-1969)

Following the reform of the corporation, a police force was set up in 1835 and first chief constable apppointed.
Full responsibility for policing transferred to Corporation in 1835 (from Magistrates, Parish Constables and City Commissioners). See also Chief Constable and City Police. Responsibility for prisons transferred to Home Secretary in 1877. Renamed Watch and Fire Services Committee in 1949. Gained fire brigade responsibilites from Yorkshire Insurance Company in 1875.

Required by Municipal Corporations Act 1835.

Independent statutory committee governing the police force including appointments, practices and finance. Included responsibility for prisons until 1877. Committee also organised the fire brigade from 1875, which consisted of designated policemen (the fire service had been outsourced to Yorkshire Insurance Company between 1830-1875). Fire brigade professionalised in 1940. Delegated fire responsibilities to a sub-committee 1948-1949.

Following the reform of the corporation, a police force was set up in 1835 and first chief constable apppointed.

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

JBM How York Governs Itself.