Truro Borough Police: Formation and Early History
The establishment of the Truro Borough Police marks a significant chapter in the local governance and law enforcement of Cornwall. From its inception, the force navigated the complexities of municipal funding, staffing disputes, and the evolving standards of professional policing in the 19th century.
The Early Force and Notable Figures
The force began with a strength of fourteen men, led by Head Constable George Payne. Among the earliest recruits was James Fitzsimmons, a former Irish labourer from Omagh, County Tyrone. Serving under collar number 2, Fitzsimmons spent thirteen years with the force before transferring to the Helston Borough Police. Despite his service, he struggled with epilepsy and a severe back injury resulting from a fall from a horse. Interestingly, his son, Robert, later became a champion boxer and the subject of the biography "Lanky Bob" by K.R. Robinson.
Other documented officers from this foundational period include Constables John Rapsey, John Lowry, George Hall, Thomas Walley, William Couch, Benjamin Bawden, and George Roberts. While the leader of the force was commonly referred to as the Chief Constable, High Constable, or Head Constable, the actual rank held was that of Inspector, and later, Superintendent.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Staffing Struggles and Political Friction
Almost immediately after its formation, the Truro Borough Council questioned the necessity of a fourteen-man force. In March 1837, the Council attempted to reduce the number of officers to seven. This proposal was rejected via ballot. Subsequent attempts to reduce the force to nine men, and then again to seven, were also rejected, leaving the meeting adjourned without a resolution.
By the 1850s, however, the Council succeeded in reducing the force to less than half of its original strength. This decision led to a period of sustained criticism from the Inspector of Constabulary—the official responsible for overseeing police efficiency. In an 1858 report, the Inspector recommended adding four officers to manage a population of 10,733 and a beat covering 1,103 acres. The corporation dismissed this, arguing that the town's pastoral nature meant the Inspector was "sorely mistaken" regarding the need for more manpower.
Infrastructure and Government Funding
In 1846, the police moved into the newly built Town Hall located at the corner of St Nicholas Street and King Street. This facility served as a hub for local authority, shared with the fire brigade, the stannary courts (courts dealing with tin mining), and magistrates. The Chief Constable played a central role here, presenting cases to the Petty and Quarter Sessions.
The financial burden of the police was initially borne entirely by the local population through a police rate. This changed in April 1874, when the government informed the corporation that it would subsidize approximately 50% of the police budget. This funding shift allowed the corporation to finally address manpower shortages.
Following an inspection on September 23, 1873, by Captain Willis, who expressed satisfaction with the uniforms, cells, and records but noted understaffing, the force began to grow. By May 1876, the force was still deemed "inefficient" with only six officers for 11,000 residents. Following government recommendations for a minimum of twelve officers, the Truro Borough Police finally reached that strength by 1878.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Initial Strength: The force started with 14 officers, including Head Constable George Payne.
- Headquarters: Moved to the Truro Town Hall in 1846.
- Staffing Low: Dropped to 6 officers by 1876 despite a population of 11,000.
- Funding Shift: Transitioned from 100% local funding to a 50% government subsidy in 1874.
- Final Growth: Reached the recommended minimum of 12 officers by 1878.
| Period/Date | Force Strength | Key Event/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | 14 Officers | Established under Head Constable George Payne. |
| 1837 | 14 Officers | Council attempts to reduce staff to 7 or 9; rejected. |
| 1846 | Varies | Relocated to the new Town Hall. |
| 1858 | Reduced | Inspector of Constabulary recommends 4 additional officers. |
| 1876 | 6 Officers | Deemed "inefficient" for a population of 11,000. |
| 1878 | 12 Officers | Achieved government-recommended minimum strength. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was James Fitzsimmons?
James Fitzsimmons was one of the first constables (collar number 2) of the Truro Borough Police. A former Irish labourer, he served for thirteen years and was the father of champion boxer Robert Fitzsimmons.
Where was the police force based?
Starting in 1846, the force was based at the Town Hall on the corner of St Nicholas Street and King Street, sharing the space with magistrates and the fire brigade.
Why did the Truro Borough Council resist increasing the police force?
The Council argued that because the town consisted largely of pastoral land, there was no need for additional officers, claiming the Inspector of Constabulary's estimations were incorrect.
How was the police force funded in its early years?
Initially, the force was funded entirely by the local population via a local police rate. In 1874, the government began subsidizing approximately 50% of the budget.
What was the actual rank of the Chief Constable?
Although referred to as the Chief, High, or Head Constable, the officer actually held the rank of Inspector, and later, Superintendent.