Police Records

Most Police Forces were established in the mid 1800's although a few cities and towns had Police Forces earlier.

Even in London policing started as late as 1829 which helps researchers as many records for this period still exist.

As BMD records started in 1837 and the reliable Census returned in 1841 basic family history can normally be obtained from these sources.

Police records can then provide the background information on your ancestor.

How do I find out what Police Force my ancestor served in?

Until the mid 1970's Policemen were normally required to live very near to their place of duty often in Police  Hostels or police owned houses.

Thus the Police Force in which they served would normally be the area in which they lived.

Metropolitan  Police

Old records on the Metropolitan Police are held in the National Archives.

Other Forces

In the 1800's there were many smaller police forced in Boroughs and County areas that have been amalgamated into larger Police Forces in modern times.

Records are normally held in the relevant County  Records Office although some are held in museums run by Police Forces. These museums usually keep details of smaller forces that have been amalgamated

Special Constables

These are part time Policemen, records will be the same of for full time police.

Ministry of Defence, British Transport Police etc

Some small police forces were established with localised roles.

Records for these forces are normally held with the staff records for that establishment.

What do police records contain?

Details of recruits to the police

Discipline or awards to Officers.

Injuries of deaths of Officers

Addresses of Police accommodation inhabited by officers and their families

Promotion  of Officers

Retirement and pension of Officers

Records also exist of enquiries by Police Officers that did not result in convictions.

What other police records are ther?

Open University run the International Centre for the history of crime,policing and justice which has information on police history and useful links to local,national and international sites.

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The Police History Society research Police history and have good links to Police museums throughout the country.