On January 1, 1851, the Surrey Constabulary began its policing of the county with a total of just 70 officers, the youngest of whom was a mere 14 years old.
On 1 September 1899, Captain Sant was appointed chief constable, at an annual salary of £500 plus £150 allowance for rent, travelling and other expenses. He was 36, had served in the Northumberland Fusiliers and been chief constable of Northumberland.
The Force now consisted of 231 men, treble the original establishment.
With the start of World War I, many police officers from the county and borough forces were called to the colours. Their departure left the Force dealing with additional duties but without the training to prepare for such difficult times.
To help secure the county, 4000 special constables were recruited to keep order in towns and villages and help secure refugee routes. The chief constable's report for 1915 mentioned two particular duties that had taken a great deal of time and trouble - the billeting of troops and enquiries concerning aliens. Around 150,000 billets were found and 250 aliens checked and registered.
During 1918 the Force employed its first policewoman, a sergeant who was posted to Farncombe to deal with prostitutes who had moved into the area close to the army camp at Witley. After the war she left the Force.
On 11 November 1918, the final armistice was signed and the guns were at last silenced. Eighteen Surrey Police Officers paid for peace with their lives.
In January 1942, the Force took its first major step towards the recruitment of women.
They were employed on a temporary basis in offices, issued with uniforms and known as The Women's Auxiliary Police Corps (WAPC). A permanent establishment was authorised in 1944 and Miss Margery Urquhart became the first woman inspector.
The women had to be of average intelligence and single, although they could be widows. They had to be between 22 and 35 years of age and not less than 5' 4" tall. Their duties were limited and involved dealing with issues relating to women and children, although a few were trained for patrol duties. In 1946 Miss Urquhart was succeeded by Miss Catherine Mackenzie.
On 7 May 1945 Germany surrendered unconditionally. Twenty-two members of the Force had lost their lives and four were decorated.
Surrey Police, non-emergency number: 0845 125 222
Information all available on thesurrey police website.
On 1 September 1899, Captain Sant was appointed chief constable, at an annual salary of £500 plus £150 allowance for rent, travelling and other expenses. He was 36, had served in the Northumberland Fusiliers and been chief constable of Northumberland.
The Force now consisted of 231 men, treble the original establishment.
With the start of World War I, many police officers from the county and borough forces were called to the colours. Their departure left the Force dealing with additional duties but without the training to prepare for such difficult times.
To help secure the county, 4000 special constables were recruited to keep order in towns and villages and help secure refugee routes. The chief constable's report for 1915 mentioned two particular duties that had taken a great deal of time and trouble - the billeting of troops and enquiries concerning aliens. Around 150,000 billets were found and 250 aliens checked and registered.
During 1918 the Force employed its first policewoman, a sergeant who was posted to Farncombe to deal with prostitutes who had moved into the area close to the army camp at Witley. After the war she left the Force.
On 11 November 1918, the final armistice was signed and the guns were at last silenced. Eighteen Surrey Police Officers paid for peace with their lives.
In January 1942, the Force took its first major step towards the recruitment of women.
They were employed on a temporary basis in offices, issued with uniforms and known as The Women's Auxiliary Police Corps (WAPC). A permanent establishment was authorised in 1944 and Miss Margery Urquhart became the first woman inspector.
The women had to be of average intelligence and single, although they could be widows. They had to be between 22 and 35 years of age and not less than 5' 4" tall. Their duties were limited and involved dealing with issues relating to women and children, although a few were trained for patrol duties. In 1946 Miss Urquhart was succeeded by Miss Catherine Mackenzie.
On 7 May 1945 Germany surrendered unconditionally. Twenty-two members of the Force had lost their lives and four were decorated.
Surrey Police, non-emergency number: 0845 125 222
Information all available on thesurrey police website.
