Force Orders 1858
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THIS DOCUMENT IS COPYRITE AND REMAINS THE PROPERTY OF THE CHESHIRE CONSTABULARY
IT IS INTENDED TO AID THE RESEARCHER AT THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE, CHESTER
NO COPIES IN ANY DIGITAL FORMAT WILL BE ALLOWED WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION
FROM THE CHESHIRE CONSTABULARY OR THE TRUSTEES OF THE MUSEUM OF POLICING IN CHESHIRE
CHESHIRE CONSTABULARY
GENERAL ORDERS
CJP4 VOLUME 1
4TH January 1858 ~ 30th December 1858
General Order
Purport
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Chief Constables Officer, Chester 4th January 1858
PC Joseph Mason having been accused of obtaining goods from a Hawker by Threats held out under Authority of his Office as a Constable is dismissed from the force.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 8th January 1858
Superintendents will always when they read Orders received from this office read in their Divisions also all decisions on Misconduct.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 12th January 1858
A list of all property found, unclaimed or that remains from any cause in the possession of the Constabulary will be sent Quarterly commencing 1st Instant from each Superintendent of Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 18th January 1858
Division
Rank and Name
Old Rate
New Rate
2
PC. Joseph Street
20/- weekly
21/- weekly
Reserve
A/Sgt. Robert Wood
19/- -do-
20/- -do-
2
PC. William Burgess
19/- -do-
20/- -do-
2
PC. Thomas Dale
19/- -do-
20/- -do-
3
PC. Henry Foster
19/- -do
20/- -do-
6
PC. Edward Burrows
19/- -do-
20/- -do-
Chief Constables Office, Chester 21st January 1858
Superintendents will send in a return a list of 1 name in every 9 men of each Division to be recommended for increase of pay, Acting Sergeants if not already 1st Class to be recommended. The Chief Constable however desires it may be understood that from his own experience of the men he now exercises his own judgement as to whether he confirms the names recommended.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 26th January 1858
PC 73 Thomas Ellis of Number 5 Division is dismissed from the Force for gross negligence of duty. He will be paid up to the 28th Instant inclusive.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 1st February 1858
PC Thomas Gordon will be transferred from Number 1 Division to Number 5 Division on the 4th Instant and will report himself to the Superintendent at Middlewich on that date.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 9th February 1858
The Chief Constable having discovered that Gypsies are permitted to locate in some Divisions desires that energetic steps may at once be taken to pass them out of the County. Superintendents must not allow this inertness in performance of the men's duties.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 10th February 1858
PC Thomas McQueen to be Acting Sergeant in Number 4 Division from the 6th Instant.
PC Frederick Crawley to be removed from Audlem, to Crewe Number 4 Division, Mr. Laxton reporting when the change is made.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 11th February 1858
PC148 Edward Heathcote of Number 9 Division to be Acting Sergeant from the 9th Instant.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 12th February 1858
The Chief Constable desire that Superintendents will send to this office as soon as possible a list of the residences so far as can be ascertained of such Prisoners as have committed from their Divisions for Trail Sessions on the 22nd Instant as he wishes to know how many of them are resident in Boroughs not under County Police jurisdiction.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 15th February 1858.
The Chief Constable is much surprised and annoyed after the repeated Orders and Instructions issued by him for the guidance of Superintendents in making up the accounts to find that so many errors continue to be made by them, more particularly in reference to their Cash Account with the County Treasurer, some Superintendents giving credit for more than they have received and others less. The result of such inaccuracies causes confusion in the accounts and continually necessitating the alteration of the balance due from or to. Superintendents to avoid which in future Superintendents will send to this officer 6 days prior to the ending of each quarter a statement of sums received from County Treasurer during such period in order that it may be compared with the Treasurers Account of sums advanced.
Form for Statement
Cheshire Constabulary
Statement of sums received from County Treasurer from the 1st day of January to the 15th March 1858
Date
Sums Received
£
s
d
Memo Copy of errors in accounts
Sent to each Superintendent with
this Order.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 15th February 1858
Superintendents to send forthwith the name of the Acting Sergeant of their Division best qualified to be promoted Sergeant.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 19th February 1858
Acting Sergeant Mason of Number 6 Division will proceed to Upton and be there stationed to take charge of the neighbouring section and PC Ludlam will be Acting Sergeant at Egremont.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 22nd February 1858
The Chief Constable desires that an account on a separate form be kept for all expenses attending Magistrates Rooms at Police Stations, such as Coal, Candles, Gas, Cleaning, Fittings, repairs &c, &c in order that such expenses may be entered in the Constabulary Expenditure sent to this office in like manner as Conveyance and Maintenance of Prisoners and in Quarterly Account be like them deducted and charged against County and not Police Rate.
Such charges will commence in Quarters Accounts ending 25th March 1858.
It must be clearly understood that no expense at these Magistrates Rooms beyond the ordinary expense of Fuel, Light and Cleaning will be allowed to be incurred except after first referring it to the Chief Constable who if he thinks it necessary will then direct it to be submitted to the Magistrates in order to obtain their authority for the charge.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 22nd February 1858
The following officers and men will receive increase of pay from this date as under
Division
Rank and Name
From
To
£ s d
£ s d
1
A/Sgt Edward Aston
1
0
0
1
1
0
2
Sgt William Watson
1
3
0
1
4
0
2
Sgt George Morgan
1
2
0
1
3
0
2
PC Samuel Chesters
19
0
1
1
0
2
PC William Burgess
1
0
0
1
1
0
3
A/Sgt William Hilton
1
0
0
1
1
0
4
A/Sgt Thos McQueen
1
0
0
1
1
0
5
PC Thomas Steel
1
0
0
1
1
0
6
A/Sgt Walter Thorburn
19
0
1
0
0
7
PC David Chadwick
19
0
1
0
0
7
PC William Hatton
19
0
1
0
0
8
PC John Tinsley
19
0
1
0
0
9
PC Peter Ridgeway
19
0
1
0
0
Reserve
A/Sgt Robert Wood
1
0
0
1
1
0
Chief Constables Office, Chester 26th February 1858
The Chief Constable will take an early opportunity of Inspecting the Horses, Carts and Harness of the Superintendents as the Handsome Annual Allowance in this County well secure that each of these shall be good and serviceable order.
The Chief Constable regrets to have observed that order was not well kept in Court at Knutsford during the last adjournment Sessions, and must remind all ranks of the Constabulary that it is their duty to give assistance to secure this desired object in the Magistrates Courts at Quarter Sessions. The five men who receive extra pay for performing this duty should not on that account be without the assistance of all others of the Constabulary who may be present, although not in receipt of the extra pay.
The Chief Constable will require Superintendent Andrews to take care that in future the required number of Constables attend and are properly placed with clear orders.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 1st March 1858
The following promotions will take place from the 23rd February 1858 consequent on the Increase of the Constabulary as allowed at the last Adjournment Sessions at Knutsford.
Acting Sergeant Robert Bohanna of Number 5 Division to be Sergeant.
Acting Sergeant Thomas McQueen of Number 4 Division to be Sergeant.
The jealousy amongst Police Officers is an unfortunate fact, and not confined to individuals but extending to Sections, Divisions, Borough's and Counties to the great detriment of the public service, by withholding from rather than imparting to each other information and impeding rather than assisting each other and all this arising from seeking to possess alone the credit of detection, or conviction, or to prevent others from discovering what they themselves are unable to discover and so serious a view does the Chief Constable take of this ignorant and little minded abuse of position that on clear proof of the offence being committed by one of the Cheshire Constabulary he will instantly consider the propriety of dismissing the offender of whatever rank he may be.
Chief Constables Officer, Chester 6th March 1858
PC121 Andrew Phillips having been found guilty of drunkenness is dismissed from the force this date
Chief Constables Office, Chester 8th March 1858
Mr. Oldmeadow the Chief Clerk will from this date, by sanction of Quarter Sessions hold the Rank of Superintendent and be so addressed and obeyed in the force.
On a Fire being reported in the County the Superintendent of the Reserve, Mr. Oldmeadow will in the absence of the Chief Constable and in the event of the building on fire being a residence of importance or containing valuable property order to proceed by rail carriage or otherwise such of the Reserve as he may consider advisable for the protection of property or saving life but with orders in no way to interfere with the working of the fire engine unless requested to so do by competent authority.
The Chief Constable desires that in future the Cheshire Constabulary will on all public occasions or in official correspondence address and speak of each other by their title of their respective ranks, as Superintendent so and so, Sergeant so and so or Police Constable so and so, and not in the absurd manner of Mr. Superintendent, Mr. Sergeant or Police Constable so and so.
All fires in the County of importance particularly of private residence containing valuable property will be communicated as soon as discovered at once to the Chief Constable by telegraph wherever one is available or by other speedy means.
By order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 9th March 1858
From and after the 25th March 1858 the full rent will be charged to each Constable occupying County Police Stations and the following will be the several sums allowed to be charged per week for cleaning the same including all materials, soap brushes &c, &c.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 15th March 1858
In consequence of the increase of the force the numbering in Divisions will be as follows
Division
Number
To
Number
1
1
To
9
2
10
To
43
3
44
To
56
4
57
To
71
5
72
To
90
6
91
To
118
7
119
To
145
8
146
To
158
9
159
To
174
Reserve
175
To
184
The Superintendent of Number 3 Division will therefore send to Number 2 Division Numbers 40 to 43.
The Superintendent of Number 4 Division will send to Number 3 Division Numbers 53 to 56.
The Superintendent of Number 5 Division will send to Number 4 Division Numbers 66 to 71.
The Superintendent of Number 6 Division will send to Number 5 Division Numbers 82 to 90.
The Superintendent of Number 7 Division will send to Number 6 Division Numbers 109 to 118.
The Superintendent of Number 8 Division will send to Number 7 Division Numbers 132 to 143.
The Superintendent of Number 9 Division will send to Number 7 Division Numbers 144 to 145.
The Superintendent of Number 9 Division will send to Number 8 Division Numbers 146 to 157.
Superintendent Reserve Division Numbers 158 to Number 8 Division and Numbers 159 to 174 to Number 9 Division.
Enclosed herewith is a Distribution Return of your Division numbered as above.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 16th March 1858
PC Dickinson is transferred from Number 3 Division to the Reserve Force from the 1st Instant and PC Warburton is posted to Number 3 Division and will receive pay from the same date.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 19th March 1858
The Chief Constable having discovered that in one Division the Superintendent has not kept a regular Journal of Duty and refers him to page 10 of the Rules of the Constabulary and desires that no Superintendent or Inspector will omit to keep a daily Journal of Duty which will be occasionally inspected by the Chief Constable on his visits to their Divisions.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 9th March 1858
From and after the 25th March 1858 the full rent will be charged to each Constable occupying a County Police Station and the following will be the several sum allowed to be charged per week for cleaning the same including brushes, soap and materials
Name of Station
Number of Cells
Police
Rate
County Rate
Remarks
Malpas
3
1/-
1/-
Per Week
Farndon
2
6d
6d
Per Week
Knutsford
4
1/6d
1/6d
Per Week
Altrincham
3
1/6d
1/6d
Per Week
Lymm
4
1/6d
1/6d
Per Week
Runcorn
8
1/6d
2/-
Per Week
Tarporley
3
1/-
1/-
Per Week
Frodsham
3
1/-
1/-
Per Week
Bunbury
1
1/-
1/-
Per Week
Crewe
4
2/-
2/-
Per Week
Audlem
3
1/-
1/-
Per Week
Nantwich
4
1/-
2/-
Per Week
Middlewich
6
2/-
2/-
Per Week
Winsford
3
1/6d
1/6d
Per Week
Congleton
6
1/6d
1/6d
Per Week
Northwich
3
2/6d
2/6d
Per Week
Hall Green
1
2/6d
2/6d
Per Week
Sandbach
2
2/6
2/6d
Per Week
Birkenhead
13
2/6d
2/6d
Per Week
Great Neston
3
1/-
1/-
Per Week
Liscard
8
1/-
1/-
Per Week
Hyde
4
3/-
3/-
Per Week
Name of Station
Number of Cells
Police Rate
County
Rate
Remarks
Macclesfield
8
1/6d
2/-
Per Week
Bollingford
2
1/-
2/-
Per Week
Stockport
13
1/6d
2/-
Per Week
Disley
2
1/-
2/-
Per Week
Hazel Grove
3
1/6d
2/-
Per Week
Mottram
1/6d
1/6d
Per Week
Chief Constables Office, Chester 26th March 1858
Acting Sergeant Edward Heathcote of Number 9 Division is appointed Sergeant from this date and will remove to Bollington in Number 8 Division. Acting Sergeant Maiden is appointed Sergeant from same date in Number 7 Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 29th March 1858
PC Robert Cook and PC Griffith Jones of Number 6 Division are this day struck of the force having been found guilty of drunkenness.
PC J. Randle of Number 5 Division on the 5th April next will proceed to Birkenhead on that date. PC Ashworth of the Reserve will proceed to Middlewich same date and PC Garside to Birkenhead.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 1st April 1858
In the Quarterly Return as ordered will be entered the name of all parties met and searched at night whether Poachers or other Suspicious characters.
The Chief Constable desires Superintendents will make it known to their men that he will give great weight in the claim for promotion to higher grade and pay of any successful capture or detection from proper performance of night duty. The Quarterly Return of Poachers and other Suspicious characters met on roads will be considered a fair test by which to estimate the vigilance of men stationed in Rural Districts.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 3rd April 1858
Superintendents will supply each man in their Division with some of the Description Papers, herewith sent, and will establish the best system of passing them from one Constable to the next, so that they may be circulated through the County in the most speedy and effectual manner and is so done lead to the capture of the parties wanted. A copy of the description will be entered in each man's duty book with date and hour of receiving the same entry endorsed on back of the return which will afterwards be sent to this office.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 7th April 1858
In reference to General Order of the 3rd April the Chief Constable desires that the original Description Return is invariably to be forwarded to his office by the officer into whose possession it may arrive at the expiration of 48 hours calculating from the date and hour headed on the Return it is not even to be sent to the Superintendent or any other rank because of such rank as the officer issuing the Description Return will specially report such matters by letter to his Superintendent.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 10th April 1858
On Tuesday 20th Instant Sergeant Hammond of Number 9 Division will be transferred to Number 2 Division and proceed to Altrincham to take charge of the station in that town.
Sergeant Beard will join Headquarters to take charge of Reserve under the Superintendent from same date.
Sergeant Stanley will relieve Sergeant Hammond at Hazel Grove same date.
The transfer of Sergeants Hammond and Beard id made by the Chief Constable because of their superior and peculiar fitness for the respective changes.
PC Newton of Number 6 Division will join the Reserve and PC Egerton of the Reserve will proceed to Number 6 Division and be stationed at Backford. PC Edward Hinch of the same Division will proceed to Willaston to be stationed on same date.
On the 20th Instant in consequence of the ill health of Sergeant Jones of Number 2 Division will return to the rank and pay of 1st class Constable and join the Reserve and be stationed at Christleton and PC O'Neill of Number 1 Division will be removed from Christleton to Waverton to be stationed there.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 13th April 1858
In consequence of long continued ill health of PC Dickinson of the Reserve he is struck off the strength of the force from the 31st ultimo.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 14th April 1858
The promotion of Sergeants and Police Constables to the higher grades and rate of pay being now vested in the authority of the Chief Constable without reference elsewhere he take this very early opportunity of informing the force generally that he will by degree rise all officers by vigilant and energetic performance of duty and good character, merit such advancement but any detected frequenting public houses, evading duty or zealously performing it, must expect a long probation in their present position. The Chief Constable desires that the above may be read as practicable to every officer in the County.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 15th April 1858
Acting Sergeant Michael Douglas will be Sergeant from 21st Instant, vice Sergeant Jones reduced from that rank to give opportunity to recover is ill health.
PC Revis Slater is appointed Acting Sergeant from 21st Instant and will take charge from that date of the Stockton Heath Section.
Sergeant Jones will be allowed to remain as 1st Class Police Constable at Stockton Heath doing day duty only until 1st May 1858 when he will join the Reserve as already ordered.
The following promotions will take place from 1st May 1858 and the Chief Constable takes this opportunity of reminding officers that there are still many vacancies to 1st and 2nd Class Constables and that he has names on his list whose merit will entitle them to promotion on a future occasion.
Division
Rank and Name
From
To
2nd
3rd
1st
2nd
1
PC Thomas Phillips
1
1
1
PC John Palin
1
1
1
PC Bernard O'Neill
1
1
1
PC George Horsley
1
1
2
PC Thomas Percival
1
1
2
PC Henry Dutton
1
1
2
PC Michael Egan
1
1
2
PC George Podmore
1
1
2
PC Richard Attenborough
1
1
2
PC John Broome
1
1
2
PC John Woolley
1
1
3
PC Henry Foster
1
1
3
PC John Hayes
1
1
3
PC Elisha Lockett
3
PC Thomas Robinson
1
1
4
PC Thomas Lowe
1
1
4
PC Frederick Crawley
1
1
5
PC Thomas Wynne
1
1
5
PC Thomas Gordon
1
1
5
PC George Thomas
1
1
5
PC Andrew McCallen
1
1
5
PC John Davies
1
1
6
PC Ralph Southern
1
1
6
PC Arthur Gunning
1
1
6
PC William Wynne
1
1
6
PC Almond Houghton
1
1
6
PC Edward Burrows
1
1
6
A/Sgt Thomas Ludlow
1
1
7
PC Richard Boulton
1
1
7
PC Peter Buckley
1
1
Reserve
PC John Clarke
1
1
Totals
10
21
10
21
Chief Constables Office, Chester 16th April 1858
The following names were by error omitted in yesterdays order PC59 J. Morgan and PC62 J. Fullerton Number 4 Division to be 1st Class Constables from 1st May 1858.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 19th April 1858
The receipt of the new clothing according to Invoice is to be acknowledged at once both to this office and to Messer's Dolan and to be fitted as early as possible and when reported complete by the Superintendent the Chief Constable will visit each Division and inspect it. The new clothing as a rule is never to be worn under Great Coat.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 20th April 1858
Sergeant Beard having been selected by the Chief Constable for the important duty of drilling and instructing the Reserve is appointed 1st Class Sergeant from this date.
In future Sergeants at 22/- and 23/- will rank as 3rd Class and wear one Chevron as at present 2nd Class Sergeants at 24/- 2 Chevrons and 1st Class Sergeants 3 Chevrons.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 23rd April 1858
The Chief Constable having discovered certain abuses in respect to some of the Constabulary attending "Public Sales" from the custom of drink being supplied free of all charge and with little limit, he desire that officers will not attend such sales, unless specifically ordered by the Superintendents so to do, and he trusts Superintendents will exercise discretion in not ordering men on this duty unless from the expectation of large numbers being assembled or from other sufficient causes.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 24th April 1858
In reference to General Order of 9th March 1858, 1/- to Police Rate and 1/6d to County Rate will be allowed for cleaning Nantwich Station.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 26th April 1858
The Chief Constable having discovered the following abuse promulgates it as a warning against its repetition i.e. County Officers have received payment from Boroughs and applied them within own personal purposes, for conveying Borough Prisoners to Jail and by that means leaving their districts and so defrauding the rate payers of this County of their services.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 26th April 1858
Superintendents will give immediate directions for all men in their Divisions to be doubly vigilant both at night and day during the next fortnight particularly on roads frequented by parties making to and from Chester during the races.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 29th April 1858
In future all prisoners from Runcorn will be conveyed by Rail via Runcorn Gap to Lymm, the Runcorn Officer returning without loss of time to his duty by same route on giving over his prisoner at Lymm Lockup, where Superintendent Andrews will have him conveyed to Knutsford.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 3rd May 1858
The Chief Constable hopes that every officer of the Cheshire Constabulary will see the advantage to the Public Service and himself in the possession of a good watch and the Chief Constable will in future invariably ascertain prior to appointing an officer to be Sergeant or 1st Class Constable whether he is in possession of this most important regulator of all duties.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 5th May 1858
The Chief Constable issues the following Order to avoid future difficulties in respect to Township or Localities separated from one Division and attaché to another for Police purposes, i.e. that all cases of a criminal or Police nature save always such as are specifically excepted by Acts of Parliament or other proper authority as Bastardy, Poor Law, Licensing Public Hours, Granting Rates are to be taken ? of by the officers of that Police Division in which the cases occur.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 8th May 1858
The difficulty of obtaining suitable residences for Constables at some stations has induced the Chief Constable to make special application to the owners of property for cottages and he desires therefore that whenever such application is granted that Superintendents will receive the rent for such cottages and hand it over to the Proprietor or Agent. In the event also of an officer vacating a suitable residence the Superintendent will take steps in time to prevent its occupation being lost to the force and communicate particulars to the Chief Constable with a view to secure by the appointment of a successor to the officer leaving. Mr. Blake will under this Order in future receive the rent for the cottage at Cranage.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 12th May 1858
Superintendents will arrange the system of Night Duty in the several Divisions, so as best to secure that officers are out and about during the darkest hours of the night and will increase and diminish the duration of Night Duty according to the season of the year. Taking the following directions as a guide from 1st November to 31st March from 6 to 7 hours, from 1st April to 30th September 5 to 6 hours Night Duty, the maximum of Night Duty being 7 hours, the minimum being 5 hours or say out of every 24 hours of day and night
Night Duty Hours
and
Day duty Hours
Total Hours
Either
7
3
10
Or
6
4
10
Either
5
5
10
Or
5
4
9
Under special circumstances Superintendents will deviate from this order as they think advisable reporting same to the Chief Constable.
Acting Sergeant Shenton having concealed from his Superintendent the offences of an officer of his section is as unworthy of his Rank reduced to a 1st Class Constable and PC Bolshaw is appointed Acting Sergeant in Charge of that Section.
PC165 1st Class Constable Thomas Morris is reduced from 1st to 2nd Class for drunkenness from yesterdays date.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 12th May 1858
PC Faram is promoted Acting Sergeant from this date and will take charge of and superintend duties in Witton Street, Northwich. PC McCallen is also promoted Acting Sergeant from this date.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 17th May 1858
Sergeants Dalgliesh and Manning of Number 7 Division are promoted to 2nd Class Sergeants from 1st proximo.
The following Sergeants are also promoted to 2nd Class Sergeants from 1st proximo Number 2 Division Sergeant Morgan, Number 4 Division Sergeant Wilson, Number 5 Division Rowbottom, Number 8 Division Sergeant Garner and Number 9 Division Sergeant Cooper.
Sergeant Hulme of Number 7 Division will take charge of Mottram Station and Section and Sergeant Manning will proceed to Hyde to be there stationed.
Superintendents will give direction that old clothing and old caps be invariably worn at night in order to keep the new clothing and hats in better condition for Sunday and such like occasions.
Acting Sergeant Bolshaw has again distinguished himself by vigilant activity in stopping and examining suspicious characters and so led to the capture of parties concerned in a Burglary at Manchester. The Chief Constable desires 2 days special duty is given to him as a mark of his approval.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 24th May 1858
Sergeant Hammond of Number 2 Division is appointed 2nd Class Sergeant from the 15th Instant.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 28th May 1858
The Government Inspector Colonel Woodford having signified his intention of inspecting the Cheshire Constabulary next week the Chief Constable desires that Superintendents will at once take steps to secure that every man be fully complete in clothing and accoutrements, Superintendents will be held strictly responsible for any negligence in this respect and no excuse will be received for omissions. Men to appear in best clothing with Hats, Lamps, Books Handcuffs, Staves with white thongs, Well cleaned Boots and with White Gloves.
A State of each Division after a Form to be sent from this officer will be prepared signed and presented by each Superintendent to the Chief Constable for the Inspector and the men will first appear without Great Coats but having everything at hand in order for his after Inspection. Sergeants will fall in on the right and the Constables will fall in after the Sergeants from right to left according to size and on the Inspector appearing will be called smartly to attention. All duty Books will be filled up. Further notice will be sent of the day of Inspecting each Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 29th May 1858
A serious accident having occurred in this County from swinging boats and revolving horses being allowed on a public road the Chief Constable desires that the Police will remove all such dangerous obstructions from public thoroughfares or Summons the parties refusing to do so.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 9th June 1858
The Chief Constable has been much surprised to find that Superintendent allows his official letters to remain unopened from 2 to 3 hours every morning until he chooses to arrive from his own residence, this neglect of business cannot be allowed and on two occasions it already caused the Chief Constable to arrive on duty and find his own letters directing the Superintendents to meet him unopened, moreover this Superintendent does not sufficiently make himself acquainted with all details of occurrences in his Division. The Chief Constable expecting a Superintendent to be able to answer readily any question he may ask respecting the same "vide Page 2 of General Instructions" until further orders therefore when practicable Superintendents will attend in uniform every Petty Session held in their Division and on no account absent themselves when cases of assault on their own men are brought before Magistrates.
Until further Orders Superintendents will send in on the first day of each month a Return of Undetected Crime occurring in their Divisions during the preceding month entering also in Red Ink offences Detected during the same period which had occurred prior to said month after enclosed form.
Superintendents will send to this office the names of one Constable in every 9 men on the strength of their Divisions to be recommended for promotion.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 11th June 1858
Superintendents will send in immediately particulars of all cases of Coroners warned by Township Constables or others with dates according to the following form
Cheshire Constabulary
Return of cases warned by Township Constables or Others from 20th April 1857 18th----------1858
Name of Person on whom inquest held
Person warning Coroner
Date of Warning of Coroner
When Inquest held
Remarks.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 13th June 1858
It having been discovered that PC Ashworth of Number 5 Division served in and was dismissed from the Lancashire Constabulary and which fact was purposely concealed from the Chief Constable he PC Ashworth is dismissed from the service.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 17th June 1858
In consequence of the reduced price of provisions since the Diet Tables were first used, 3/4 lb of Bread will be allowed daily at Breakfast and Tea instead of 1/2 lb as before and new Diet Tables will be made by direction of the Superintendents with alteration as above and be hung up at each station reporting to the Chief Constable when this is complied with.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 17th June 1858
The Chief Constable directs that in future Superintendents will guide themselves by the following instructions in making up the Charge and Summons Sheets, and in every case fill up the Column according to headings, but as briefly as possible to give the information required. In cases of Larceny enter whether "from the Person" "Dwelling House" and under 5/- and pleading guilty "to value of £5 in "Dwelling House" In column "Disposal of Fined and in default to be committed to Jail, enter the period of such committal, but if Fine paid omit punishment in default altogether. In column "Property Found on prisoner" particular care will be taken to show disposal of same. In column "Remarks in cases of Drunkenness enter in Red Ink H.D. Habitual/Drunkenness but it is to be understood none will be entered as such but those who have been charged with the offence at least 4 times within 12 months. In some cases Superintendents use the word "arranged" in disposal column, in future in cases Summoned or otherwise if settled without the order of Magistrates will be entered "No appearance" and in cases "Dismissed" the causes of such "Dismissal" to be entered and in no case the word "arranged" to be used. In the Classification of Offences cases of Drunkenness and Drunk and Disorderly will be entered as such and in all cases great care given to clarify each case in accordance with the Government Return.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 7th July 1858
Superintendents will send in immediately the names of as many men as they can spare from their Divisions with a proportionate number of Sergeants to attend the Agricultural Show at Chester under Mr. Hill Head Constable of the City Police, they will at same time inform the Chief Constable if they can replace the officers so sent engaging men as private watchmen at 2/6d per day and night in order that the Division may not be left unprotected.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 7th July 1858
In consequence of a late severe assault upon two officers while clearing a Public House the Chief Constable desires to draw the attention of the Constabulary to Page 16 of General Instructions and again to direct that as Rule "Public Houses" are not to be cleared by the Police.
Officers are reminded also that in Executing Warrants Prisoners are not to be lost sight of on any account, lest escape or suicide follow up such negligence.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 9th July 1858
The following promotions will take place from the 15th Instant
Division
Rank and Name
From
To
2nd
3rd
1st
2nd
1
PC
Bernard O'Neill
1
1
1
PC
George Horsley
1
1
2
PC
John Allen
1
1
2
PC
William Gosling
1
1
2
PC
Henry Beardsworth
1
1
2
PC
Henry Chorlton
1
1
3
PC
John Barron
1
1
3
A/Sgt
Thomas Robinson
1
1
3
PC
Evan Mayho
1
1
5
PC
Daniel Dale
1
1
5
PC
Robert Heaton
1
1
6
A/Sgt
Walter Thorburn
1
1
6
A/Sgt
Thomas Ludlam
1
1
6
PC
Ralph Southern
1
1
6
PC
John Hindley
1
1
6
PC
Joseph Handford
1
1
7
PC
Richard Boulton
1
1
7
PC
James Hindley
1
1
7
PC
James Bohan
1
1
7
PC
Francis Daniels
1
1
7
PC
George Harris
1
1
8
PC
John Lee
1
1
9
PC
Michael Noonan
1
1
9
PC
Thomas Gosling
1
1
9
PC
John Chesworth
1
1
Sergeant Hammond to be 1st Class, Sergeants Douglas, Heathcote and Hulme to be 2nd Class.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 9th July 1858
Superintendents will be careful to select for the Agricultural Meeting only men of the steadiest character and good personal appearance.
The Chief Constable will send at a later date the actual number required from each Division.
On Monday 19th Instant Superintendent Little will send by the earliest train Sergeants Manning and 9 other men. Each man will receive daily 4/- Special Duty Allowance for his own personal use and the Chief Constable has directed accommodation to be prepared for them in Bishops Fields. Superintendents will send amongst the number required any officers who have served in Cavalry Regiments. Numbers 2, 4, 6, 7 & 8 Divisions will at once comply with the order of the 7th Instant inconvenience being already occasioned by their not having done so.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 15thJuly 1858
In reference to General Order of the 19th Instant respecting Agricultural Meeting, the Chief Constable withes it to be understood distinctly that he leaves it to the judgement of Superintendents to grant leave of absence to a small proportion of their men in all such like occasions taking care always that duty is not neglected.
Inspector Steen of Number 2 Division will attend on Tuesday the 20th Instant and take charge under Mr. Hill Head Constable of Chester of the County Constabulary at Agricultural Meeting.
Divisions will send in on Tuesday the 20th Instant to Chester strength as follows Number 2 Division Sergeant Watson, PC's Percival & Burgess and 6 other Constables.
Number 3 Division 5 officers i.e. Acting Sergeant Foster, PC's William Warburton, William Latham. J. Leah and Thomas Robinson. Number 5 Division Sergeant Rowbottom, Acting Sergeant McCallen, PC's John Davies, Daniel Dale and George Thomas.
Number 6 Division Acting Sergeant Ludlam, PC's J. Hindley and two other officers.
Number 7 Division Sergeant Manning and 9 officers.
Number 8 Division Sergeant Heathcote.
All these men will start so as to arrive in Chester by 9 a.m. on Tuesday the 20th Instant, they will have in their possession their Great Coats, Caps and a change of clothing and everything complete for duty, they will wear their caps, not hats and have on clean white gloves, Sergeants will be responsible for the appearance and conduct of the men of their own Division. The whole will parade every day prior to going on duty and the Chief Constable desires to impress on the Constabulary that at this large County meeting he is most desirous that they shall appear to the greatest advantage before the public. As the duties of Number 1 Division are so important that officers cannot be spared for the Agricultural Meeting the Chief Constable desires Superintendents Smith will direct that during this period all the officers of his Division in the neighbourhood of Chester may during their day and night duty work towards that City.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 20thJuly 1858
In consequence of the very hasty and injudicious conduct of Acting Sergeant Aston in the arrest by error, of a most respectable farmer of this County, the Chief Constable reduces Acting Sergeant Aston to the Rank of 1st Class Constable and directs that he be removed from Malpas to Barnston in the Wirral Division on the 31st Instant.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 31st July 1858
PC Burgess of Number 2 Division will at once join the Reserve. PC Kettle of Number 8 Division will remove to Knutsford and PC Ronaghan will proceed to Chelford to be there stationed.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 4th August 1858
The Chief Constable again calls the attention of Superintendents to his Orders respecting Vagrancy and Suspicious Characters including Poachers met at night and desires that particular attention may be given to check the former offence, and also carefully to enter in the Return according to Form to be sent in monthly in future the names of all parties searched at night and in reference to Poachers he desires that immediate notice should be given to Keepers whenever practicable of direction taken by them in their pursuits.
The Chief Constable has great pleasure in promulgating the following vote of thanks to the County Constabulary for their services at the late Agricultural Meeting. At a meeting of the Watch Committee of the City of Chester held on the twenty sixth day of July 1858 Resolved "That the thanks of this Committee be given to Captain T. Johnnes Smith Chief of the Cheshire Constabulary for the valuable assistance rendered by him to the Police of this City during the Royal Agricultural Society Exhibition and to the men under his charge for their efficient services on the occasion" and also expressing his own satisfaction at the steady conduct of the men on that occasion.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 6th August 1858
Thomas Norbury late PC of Number 8 Division having absconded from his duty without notice has been by the Justices committed to the House Of Correction for one month.
The Chief Constable having observed in some Divisions that order is but indifferently preserved at their Petty Session Meetings directs that proper attention may be given to this duty by officers present.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 12th August 1858
PC Robinson will be removed from Over (Winsford) to Minshull Vernon on Monday 16th Instant and PC Percival Number 5 Division to Wharton same date.
PC Scott on the 31st Instant will be removed from Hall Green to Runcorn and PC Dale from Runcorn to Over. PC Davies on the 16th Instant to remove to Number 1 Broxton Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 17th August 1858
Insinuation having been made that want of detection has apparently reduced Crime in this County the Chief Constable desires Superintendents will send to this officer a Return of all cases of Felony or Misdemeanour that have been either discovered or prevented by night duty since the 20th April 1857 to 15th August 1858. The Chief Constable wishes some trouble given to this Return and it must be recollected that many Crimes not at first discovered are often traced clearly to some prisoner disposed of for a later offence and as a matter of course therefore are thus detected as committed by him and to be returned.
In all cases of Assaults upon the Police when the defendants are committed Summarily and do not pay the Magistrates Clerks Fees, such Fees will in future be paid by the Superintendents or their officer of Police and will be allowed as a charge against the General Police Rate.
From the 1st proximal inclusive that allowance for each meal furnished to prisoners in County Lockups will be 3d instead of 4d as heretofore.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 20th August 1858
Superintendents will be careful to make a written entry of character according to Government Returns at the time of the disposal of a Prisoner and not to trust to memory for filling up same at an after period.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 30th August 1858
The printed Diet Tables herewith sent will be pasted on boards and hung up in some conspicuous place at each station.
Prisoners committed on Saturdays will always be conveyed to Knutsford or Chester on that day if time admits instead of being kept at Lockups until Monday following which latter is an abuse both to the Public and the Prisoner.
By Order
G.E. Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 1st September 1858
PC1 Bernard O'Neill will be Acting Sergeant from this date and proceed to Malpas to take charge of Lockup there.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 1st September 1858
The Chief Constable has found that on some occasions of his attending Petty Session Courts officers meaning well have made have made noise in opening a way for him through the crowd and he begs in future that all noises and interruption may be carefully avoided in performing this duty.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 6th September 1858
1st Class Sergeant Beard will in future hold the nominal rank of Acting Inspector and will relieve Inspector Gregory during a week's leave of absence granted to the latter.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 7th September 1858
Superintendents will send in the names of 1 man in every 8 of Constables under the rank of Sergeant recommended for promotion and will state in column of Remarks if such men have or will promise to get a watch as alluded to in former order.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 14th September 1858
PC Leah of Number 3 Division will be transferred to Number 7 Division on the 18th Instant.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 16th September 1858
Sgt Stanley of Number 9 Division having been guilty of drunkenness and other irregularities is reduced to the rank and pay of 1st Class Constable from this date.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 21st September 1858
2nd Class PC Walker of Wirral Division having on the alleged promise of a situation as a Game Keeper conducted himself in a disrespectful manner in the presence of the Chief Constable and moreover afterwards expressed himself in language of an impertinent nature before other officers, he is forthwith dismissed from the Cheshire Constabulary. The Chief Constable considers it due to the service and himself to take this immediate step because of the lax and state of discipline amongst some officers of this Division, at the same time he assures the well conducted and deserving that they will meet with every reward and consideration from him. He cautions this Division however against false and malicious reports fabricated with a mischievous intention. This order will be read forthwith to the officers of the Wirral Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 27th September 1858
The following promotions will take place from the 1st proximo.
Rank
Name
Division
To
Per Week
Sgt
Bohanna
5
23/-
Sgt
McQueen
4
23/-
Sgt
Kerns
6
23/-
PC
Jebb
2
1st Class
PC
Clarke
2
2nd Class
PC
Jarrard
2
2nd Class
PC
Naylor
2
2nd Class
PC
Birch
4
2nd Class
PC
Gordon
5
1st Class
PC
Hill
5
2nd Class
PC
Gunning
6
1st Class
PC
Duffy
6
2nd Class
PC
Reynolds
6
2nd Class
PC
Lawton
7
1st Class
PC
Howard
7
2nd Class
PC
Smallwood
7
2nd Class
PC
Watts
7
2nd Class
PC
Love
7
2nd Class
PC
Capstick
7
2nd Class
PC
Rackham
8
1st Class
PC
Fernley
8
2nd Class
PC
Scragg
9
2nd Class
PC
Warburton
9
2nd Class
As the Chief Constable takes this opportunity of stating that no officer will on any account be promoted after the offence of drunkenness until probation of 6 months good conduct gives a better promise for the future.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 27th September 1858
PC Shields of Number 5 Division will proceed to Alsager there to be stationed and PC Fletcher will proceed to Castle, Northwich.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 8th October 1858
Acting Sergeant Hilton is promoted to the rank of and pay of Sergeant at 22/- per week from the 1st Instant, and will proceed to Cheadle to be there stationed in charge of that section in Number 9 Division. On the 28th Instant 1st Class Sergeant Stanley will on the same date proceed to Number 7 Division reporting himself to Superintendent Little. 1st Class PC Buckley of Number 7 Division is appointed Acting Sergeant and will proceed on the same date to Frodsham to take charge of Station and Section there.
It having been decided in the Court of the Queen's Bench Division that a Police Station being occupied for public purposes like a Court House, Jail etc, is exempt from all Rates and Taxes, Superintendents will be careful not to pay any such demands in future.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 15th October 1858
The Chief Constable having discovered that a young officer had presumed to wear a Cutlass at night without authority desires that Superintendents will at once take steps to prevent a repetition of such disobedience of Orders.
In future inspections by Colonel Woodford the following will be observed 1st That on drawing Staves they will be carried in the right hand in one uniform way with the thick end pointing upwards close to the body and handle resting in the hollow of the hand. 2nd In future occasions each man will wear his best suit of uniform and not be expected to show another.
In Column "Disposal" in Charge and Summons Sheets in future will be entered when discharged the cause of such discharge whether by paying costs or otherwise and the Columns "Penalty Costs" and amounts received will always be filled up.
A Return of Unpaid Penalties from the 20th April 1857 to 29th September 1858 according to enclosed form will be sent in as early as possible.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 27th October 1858
The Chief Constable calls immediate attention to his orders respecting the arrest of parties for Offences, other than Felonies and desires that the Police will carefully refrain from locking up Drunken and Disorderly people when personally known, except under circumstances of an aggravated nature, or when some overt act has been committed or danger apprehended. In deed in all trivial cases and not Felonies an arrest should never be made of a house holder or person known to the Police and in such cases force should be avoided in searching Prisoners, who should be rather induced to give up their effects for safe custody, in cases of Felony a stricter search as a precaution against violence or suicide is imperative.
The Chief Constable having accepted the resignation of Superintendent Gwynne of the Wirral Division. Superintendent Smith of Broxton Division is transferred to and will take charge of the Wirral Division from 26th December next and on the same day Superintendent McDermott of the Eddisbury Division will be transferred to and take charge of the Broxton Division.
The following Acting Sergeants are promoted to the rank and pay of full Sergeant from 1st November 1858 at 22/- per week
Division
Name
1
Bernard O'Neill
2
Revis Slater
3
William Hilton
5
Andrew McCallen
6
Thomas Ludlam
9
Jonathan Bolshaw
Chief Constables Office, Chester 3rd November 1858
The Chief Constable desires that Superintendents will give Orders that the men provide themselves with half Blucher Boots of some uniform appearance for Inspection occasions otherwise he will consider the propriety of issuing Boots instead of Boot Money.
From the 1st Instant 7 hour's night duty will be the minimum until further orders.
Superintendents will return to this officer the List of Absentees from 1st Cheshire Militia as soon as they can ascertain particulars respecting them, whether absent from County, Enlisted etc, etc.
Sergeant Bolshaw of Number 9 Division will be removed to and take charge of Cheadle Lockups.
In reference to Order of the 8th October last PC Buckley of Number 7 Division is promoted to the rank and pay of Sergeant at 22/- per week and will join Number 9 Division to take charge of the Bredbury Section.
Superintendent will in visiting the stations of their men impress on them the necessity of watching and when required by circumstances searching suspicious characters and tramps, also occasionally watching late arrivals and early departures by trains at small stations of any such characters also keeping a sharp look out on the Canal Boatmen when they sleep at night.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 3rd November 1858
1st Class Sergeant Hammond of Number 2 Division is promoted to the rank and pay of Inspector in Number 6 Division and will take charge of Egremont Lockups from the 15th Instant. 2nd Class Sergeant Dalgliesh from Number 7 Division is promoted to the rank and pay of 1st Class Sergeant and will be transferred to Number 2 Division and will take charge of Altrincham Lockups in the same date.
2nd Class Sergeant Manning of Number 7 Division is promoted to the rank and pay of 1st Class Sergeant in Number 7 Division from the same date.
PC Percival is made Acting Sergeant from this date and will take charge of the Runcorn Section.
PC Holywell is discharged from the Cheshire Constabulary on the 10th Instant on a pension of £10 per annum.
PC Savage of Number 2 Division is transferred to Number 7 Division from the same date.
In reference to the amount allowed for Cleaning Stations in a monthly contingent, broken periods will not be charged but the allowance weekly as directed in General Orders of 9th March 1858.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 11th November 1858
Superintendent Little will in future have attached to his signature and be addressed in official correspondence as Superintendent and Deputy Chief Constable and as a mark of distinction the uniform cap without Crown.
2nd Class Sergeant Rowbottam of Number 5 Division is promoted 1st Class Sergeant from 1st proximo and will be stationed at Sandbach Lockups in charge of that Section and Sergeant Morris is transferred to Brereton Section.
3rd Class Sergeant Maiden Number 7 Division is promoted to 2nd Class at 24/- per week from the 1st Instant and PC Lawton of the same Division is promoted Sergeant at 22/- per week from the 15th Instant. Superintendents will send in immediately their Lists of Petty Sessions being held in their Divisions.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 11th November 1858
The Magistrates in Quarter Sessions having passed the following Resolution the Chief Constable desires Superintendents will give a copy or notice of the same to Parish Constables generally. "Ordered that in future the County Police be directed to take upon themselves the duty of Summoning the Coroner and Jury in all Inquests and that the Coroners be informed that in future the allowances to Township Constables for such duties will be discontinued.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 13th November 1858
In consequence of a late combination amongst Publicans and other Characters to subscribe in Order to obtain the aid of foreign attorneys to prosecute the Police for performing their duty, the Chief Constable thinks it most advisable that a Defence Fund should be at once formed to meet such cases and he therefore wishes that each officer in the force will volunteer one day's pay to establish the fund. Superintendents collecting and remitting the subscriptions. He will himself subscribe and an account of the fund will be kept in his office.
The Chief Constable heard yesterday again of a PC having locked up a drunken man because of using insulting language to him, now this must be stopped immediately by Superintendents as also the needy habit of locking up in cases of drunkenness and the Chief Constable desires this may be communicated immediately to all officers and that they be informed that abuse or impertinence had better appear not to be heard than to be noticed by a loss of temper or locking up.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 16th November 1858
Further to add to the Defence Fund for the protection of the Police while legally and blamelessly performing their duties the Chief Constable has determined to deduct ten per cent or 2/- in the pound from all rewards and gratuities sanctioned by him to be received by the Police.
In consequence of parties with stolen goods in their possession having been discovered entering Chester after the hours of night duty even so late as 8 o'clock in the morning, the Chief Constable desires that occasionally officers may be placed on duty to watch the entrance to Towns and Villages such duty commencing at 2 a.m. and finishing at 8 a.m.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 18th November 1858
The Chief Constable can now well understand why there are so very many Absentees or Deserters from the Cheshire Militia, when a Superintendent of long experience writes to him to know "if they are to be apprehended" He desires that all Absentees and Deserters may at once be arrested and taken before the a Magistrate, where proof beyond the knowledge of the Police is required a reference to this office will cause the Attestation and necessary parties to be present and on conviction the Magistrate can punish with a fine of £10 or commit for 3 months, also on the Magistrates forwarding the form of letter as usual in cases of Deserters from the line to the Secretary of War the Police Officer will receive the reward of 20/- and will be allowed to retain it for his own personal use. If Superintendents are aware of the actual address of the Absentee they will likewise send it to this officer reporting such cases to the Chief Constable.
Superintendents in being transported to other Divisions will be most careful not to remove from the Division they leave any Book, Papers or other Documents connected with such Divisions.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 19th November 1858
The Secretary of State has approved that the Salary of Superintendent Little be increased to £150 per annum as Deputy Chief Constable. By Order of Quarter Sessions the salaries of the following officers are increased taking effect from the 18th October 1858.
Rank
Name
Increased To
Superintendent
Laxton
£120 per annum
Superintendent
Blake
£110 per annum
Superintendent
Williamson
£130 per annum
Inspector
Steen
£90 per annum
Chief Constables Office, Chester 23rd November 1858
It has just reached the Chief Constable that the County Officers have been ignorant of certain Sudden Deaths reported to the coroner by Parish Constables, the County Officers must look to this, and the Chief Constable will certainly visit with his displeasure any neglect or want of energy or activity in this respect.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 30th November 1858
The Chief Constable thinks it is advisable to remind officers that as it his determination generally to give all promotion to those serving under him so it will not advance in his estimation the claims of such officers as evince a restless feeling of change by seeking promotion elsewhere.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 1st December 1858
Although the Chief Constable is disinclined to issue any position order on the subject he yet feels compelled by the great disadvantage it causes to the efficiency of a Police Officer from it being a distinction not easily concealed to express his wish that the moustache may be at once discontinued by all officers of the Cheshire Constabulary.
It has been reported to the Chief Constable that two officers neglected to search two Poachers met at night under suspicious circumstances and they assign as an excuse that the place of meeting was beyond the boundary of the County, so the Chief Constable wishes officers to be informed that they can act in all Boroughs situate in the County and also in all Parks of neighbouring Counties within a distance of 7 miles.
When a Murder or a Violent Death takes place requiring the immediate investigation or action of a Police Officer the latter should at once attend to that investigation to proceed to summon the Coroner.
By Order
G.E.Oldmeadow
Chief Clerk
Chief Constables Office, Chester 6th December 1858
Officers will invariably try to identify or take description of Poachers met at night and at least one met in gangs.
Officers divulging their Conference Points or conversing with any of the Public respecting their duties will be immediately reproached. The Chief Constable finds some cunning Old Officers who seek to evade their night duty, have made false representations to Magistrates with that view, but the Chief Constable need only say that he easily discovers and properly estimates such officers.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 6th December 1858
PC Hall of Number 6 Division will proceed to Malpas on the 11th Instant to take charge of Station there under Sgt O'Neill.
As the Cart of the Superintendent is kept solely for Public Purposes the Chief Constable considers the Tax on same should be a charge against the public and it will be therefore so charged in future commencing with half a year due in April 1859.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 9th December 1858
The Chief Constable regrets to find Superintendents on some occasions neglecting to report the Credit due to officers under them for clever and successful acts of duty particularly for detection of crime by searching suspicious characters at night, which omission is a manifest injustice in the claim to promotion.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 7th December 1858
Officers on Special Duty or absent from their Districts in pursuit of offenders will invariably unless prevented make daily reports to the Superintendent of their Division.
Acting Inspector Beard will place himself under the orders of Superintendent Laxton and if requisite proceed to Nantwich to assist in the duties of that locality.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 11th December 1858
The following men are specially promoted because of energetic and clever acts of night duty in searching and apprehending offenders.
3rd Class PC Bud? Number 1 Division to be 2nd Class for having pursued and capture of 2 notorious Burglars, since sentenced to 6 years penal servitude.
2nd Class PC Fazakerley of Number 8 Division to be 1st Class for having searched a bundle in possession of a suspicious character which proved to contain stolen property and for having pursued and captured the thief, since committed for trial.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 17th December 1858
PC Horsley of Number 1 Division will be transferred to Number 6 Division on the 24th Instant and will take charge of the Birkenhead Bridewell.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 22nd December 1858
A publication of a highly immoral and obscene tendency called "Paddy Kelly's Journal" having at present hawked about the County, the Chief Constable desires Superintendents will at once take all necessary steps to stop the sale of such under any act that empowers such a proceeding.
The Superintendents to be transferred to Divisions on the 20th Instant as per order of the 27th October last will take charge of such Divisions at the following salaries, Superintendent Smith £130 per annum, Superintendent Gwynne £120 per annum, Superintendent McDermott £100 per annum.
Sergeant Jones from his high character was prior to his death recommended by the Chief Constable for a gratuity of £25 out of the Superannuation Fund, which was sanctioned by the Court of Quarter Sessions and has been paid to his widow.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 28th December 1858
The following promotions will take place from the 1st proximo
Division
Rank Name
New Class
New Weekly Rate
2
Sgt Walker
1st
25/-
5
Sgt Bohanna
2nd
24/-
6
Sgt Williamson
2nd
24/-
9
Sgt Bolshaw
3rd
23/-
3
PC Gibson
1st
21/-
6
PC Wynne
1st
21/-
6
PC John Hindley
1st
21/-
9
PC Chesworth
1st
21/-
9
PC Morris
1st
21/-
9
PC Noonan
1st
21/-
Reserve
PC Clarke
1st
21/-
2
PC Flynn
2nd
20/-
Superintendents will forward a Return of men for promotion from 3rd Class in the proportion of one in every ten men in their Division.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 27th December 1858
Superintendents will prior to the 15th of next month inspect The Great Coats and Capes of their Divisions and report as to their fitness to last another year.
Chief Constables Office, Chester 30th December 1858
All property belonging to Felons in the possession of the Constabulary will be sent in forthwith to this office for delivering to the Under-Sheriff.
Applications at this time of the year by Police Officers for leave of absence cannot be granted except under the most urgent circumstances.
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