The Sun.
London, England, 1844-10-10 00:00:00

EX TRACTS PROM ORDERS.

The commissioners direct that in future the inspectors
on duty shall not take into custody any person brought
in by a police constable on the vague charge of " ob-
structing the constable in the execution of his duty."
If such charge is to be made, it must be accompanied by
a specification of particulars.
The commissioners have to draw the attention of the
whole force to the frequent recurrence of charges, " ob-
structing police officers in the performance of their
duty ;" the commissioners wish to discourage this prac-
tice, and expressly state, that the police constable is not
authorised to take any one into custody without being
able to prove some specific act by which the law has been
broken. No constable is justified in depriving any one
of his liberty for words only, and language, however
violent towards the police constable himself, is not to be
noticed ; the constables are particularly cautioned not to
answer angrily, or eater into altercation with any per-
sen while on duty. A constable who allows himself to
lie irritated by any language whatsoever, shows that he
has not a command of his temper, which is absolutely
necessary in an officer invested with such extensive
powers by the law.
'The inspectors on duty are to examine strictly all
cases of this sort brought .before them, and upon every
occasion explain to the constable the necessity of discre-
don and forbearance in an officer of the law. The com-
missioners will feel themselves compelled hereafter to
punish with the utmost severity any disobeliencaor
neglect of this order.
The commissioners having received information from
various sources, that the constable.; are in the habit,
while on duty, of entering into conversation with ser-
vant-girls and other females, it is necessary to call to the
notice of the constables that such conduct is directly
contrary to the orders of the 20th of April last ; and if
any one should be reported hereafter for misconducting
himself in this way, he will be dismissed from the
police force.
The commissioners perceive, from several cases that
have lately come before them, that a proper degree of
order is not preserved in the watch or station-houses ;
that parties coming there on business have not met with
that civility and attention which ought to be shown to
every one. It is now ordered, that in future, a police
constable shall be posted at the door of the station-house,
and he is to answer in the first instance any one who
comes there ; if the party has business there, or otherwise
wishes it, he is immediately to be shown to the inspector
on duty, who will give him the necessary information,
or direct him where he is to apply. No one shall be
allowed to remain in the station-house, except for the
necessary time his business requires ; and the inspector
is to be immediately informed, should any one remain
contrary to these orders.
The commissioners have again to point out to the
police constable the impropriety of interfering with per-
*ens for standing or talking together in the streets. It
has appeared in several instances lately, that people who
were merely talking together have been desired to
" move on ;" and much opposition to the police con-
stables and bad feeling towards them, has been in conse-
quence created. The constables are also to recollect
upon all occasions, that they are required to executeet„heir
duty with good temper and discretion ; any instancetpf
unnecessary violence by them, in striking a party. in
their charge, will be severely punished. A constable
must not use his staff because the party in his custody
is violent in behaviour or language. The constables are
not to use language towards parties in their custody cal-
culated to provoke or offend them ; such conduct often
creates a resistance in the party, and a hostile feeling
amongst the persons present towards the constable. The
constable is always to bear in mind that, in taking any
One into custody, he is not justified in doing more than
is absolutely necessary for the safe custody of the par-
ties. whilst he conveys them to the station house.
The commissioners take this opportunity of acquaint-
ing the police force, that they have heard, from several
quarters, praise of their conduct at the former levees;
and the commissioners wish strongly to impress on their
minds the necessity, on all such occasions, of their acting
with the utmost temper and forbearance towards all per-
sons, and giving assistance to all who may require it.;
the people should be treated with good humour and
civility, and no severity used, except in cases of the
tamest necessity.
The commissioners think it right again to caution
every man in the police force, at a time when an attempt
is made to create a strong prejudice against them, that
they should do their duty with every possible moderatio#-
and forbearance, and that they should not furnish a just
ground of complaint against themselves by any mis-
conduct. This caution is to be understood as applying to
all occasions, but particularly to those on shich they are
called out in large bodies. It is highly desirable that
the constables should not use their truncheons in any
manner that msy cause annoyance or irritation, except
when absolutely necessary.
The prisoners in every place of confinement under the
charge of the police are to be visited once every hour ;
the cells are to be entered, and a particular observation
of each individual made by an officer appointed for that
purpose, who is to report to the inspector or officer on
duty the state all the prisoners are in. Immediate
attention is to be given to any case requiring assistance
or medical aid.
The commissioners feel it necessary again to call the
attention of the inspectors on duty at the station to the
orders repeatedly given respecting the treatment of par-
ties coming on business • to the station-houses. The in-
spectors may rest assured, that whenever it shall appear
that there has been a want of calmness and propriety of
manner by them of the utmost civility to all persons, the
commissioners will mark by severe punishment their
sense of so great misconduct.
A constable is not authorised to arrest or assist in ar-
resting, or to take into custody a person charged with an
assault, when the assault was not committed in the pre-
eence, or within view of the constable ; but if a person
has been cut or wounded, and gives into custody the
party charged with having cut or wounded him, the
constable is authorised to take- the party into his custody,
and keep him in safe custody until he can be brought
before a magistrate.
EXTRACTS anion RULES AND REGULATIONS.
SERGEANT OR CONSTABLE.
Qualification.—His age must not exceed forty years.
He must not be less than five feet seven inches high
without his shoes.
He must be able to read and write, intelligent and
active, and certified to he free from bodily complaint,
and of a strong constitution ; and recommended as of
irreproachable character and connexions.
If a candidate for any of the above offices has been
previously employed in any branch of the public service,
civil or military, he shall not be eligible for appointment,
unless he produces satisfactory testimonials of his con-
duct in such service ; and a person who has been dis-
missed from any police, shall not be eligible for appoint-
ment in any other police force.
No person shall be appointed or retained in any of the
preceding offices, who shall hold any other office or em-
ployment for hire or gain (sec. 10, 2 & 3 Viet. cap. 9);
or who shall sell or have any interest in the sale of any
beer, wine, or spirituous liquors.
When vacancies occur in the office of superintendent;
inspector, or sergeant, it is desirable that encourage-
ment should be given to meritorious men serving in the
subordinate stations, by their promotion to the higher
stations, when they are qualified.
Pay.—The following rates of pay are intended to be
exclusive of any expenses for the purchase oft horse or