The mid Victorian era
As Britain grew rich in the Victorian era the great changes which had occurred in society stabilised and the Police force became an integral part of the way in which that society worked. But 1873 brought an incident which has never reoccurred in Cheshire history - the murder of a Police Officer. Constable James Green of Sandbach was brutally murdered, and although a farm worker was tried for the offence, he was acquitted and no other suspect was found.
In 1878 Captain Arrowsmith was appointed Chief Constable. A very
military man he set about enforcing stict discipline on the force. He
set up Courts of Enquiry for disciplary offences and instituted drastic
punishments for offending officers. He also revamped the uniforms and
gave strict instructions on the smartness of officers. Arrowsmith's
efforts were not always appreciated and resulted in complaints against
him. However at a time when slackness was endemic he made Cheshire one
of the smartest forces in the country.
At this time the Mutual Fund was established whereby all members of
the Force contributed to a fund for the family of a deceased officer, a
system which still exists today.
Captain Arrowsmith died in 1881 and was replaced by Major Hamersley, described as a much calmer and more confident man than his predecessor. During his tenure First Aid training was started, telephones introduced with other inovations to make the force more efficient.
Getting about (1850-1890)
Considering that the Victorian era was the age of the train the
Police seem to have ignored this easy form of transport. If officers
were required at another location they marched, even if it took two
days and they were not fit to do anything when they arrived.
Superintendents and above were mounted officers and were supplied with a horse and suitable equipment, spurs were de rigueur.
Later in the period Superintendents were given a dog cart and horse, these survived the introduction of cars early in the 1900s and well into the 1930s.
In 1890 the transport revolution arrived for the ordinary constable. A bicycle was procured "to be kept at Headquaters for the purpose of training recruits in the use of the same".
Murder of P.C. James Green
In February 1873 PC Green went in plain clothes to keep observations on James Buckley of Elsworth, a known thief who was believed to be still active.
Green failed to return and after an extensive search his body was found the following Friday in the canal near to Buckley's home. He had died after been beaten about the head with a sharp instrument and also suffering internal injuries.
Buckley was arrested and found to have two black eyes and further facial injuries which he claimed had been caused during work. In his cottage bloodstained tools were found as well as a quantity of stolen property.
Two medical professors examined the blood found on the tools but were unable to be certain that it was human. After a two day trial Buckely was acquited ofmurder and no other suspect was ever identified.
P.C. Green was 30 years old and left a widow and three children. The Police Committe raised a subscription for a trust fund for them, which was well supported by the local residents and police.
This remains the only murder of a Cheshire Police officer.