Early Police

Portsmouth did not have a fulltime uniformed and waged police force to combat local unruliness until March 1836. Thirty men were employed to be based in three Watch Stations around Portsea Island. Once established however, although commended for their efforts in assisting the public and even saving their lives, the force were not averse to rule breaking themselves, and drunkenness on duty seems to have been rife. Individuals were frequently reprimanded for being the ‘worse for drink’ or socialising in a public house whilst on their beat. One troublesome Portsmouth Constable, Frank Longyear, was reported for ‘being under the influence of drink whilst on special duty at Sandringham House during a ball held there’. This was not his first offence and he was called upon to resign. Minor infractions such as ‘gossiping’ and ‘being found asleep in a shed’ could also lead to admonishment. The Portsmouth Records Office holds a full range of City police archives, including service records with photographs, which can be viewed freely every week day: www.portsmouthrecordsoffice.co.uk