PEEL'S POLICE

Early police recruiting poster (c.1839)

 

I want you for PEEL’s Police.

You must be aged between 23 and 40 years of age.

You will be paid the following rates:

CONSTABLE                17s per week

SERGEANT                  £1.1s per week

SUPERINTENDENT    £3.10s per week

CHIEF CONSTABLE   £13.10s per week.

 

Working hours will be eight, ten or twelve hour shifts, seven days a week.

Every encouragement will be given to officers to grow beards as shaving is regarded as unhealthy.  However, beards must not exceed two inches in length.

Uniform will be worn all the time to prevent accusations of spying on the public whilst in ordinary clothes. A duty band will be worn to indicate whether or not you are on duty.

You are NOT allowed to vote in elections.

Your must NOT gossip with the public. In particular avoid conversations with female servants or other women, on duty. Do not walk or converse with your comrades, merely exchange a word and pass on.

You will walk about 20 miles per shift.

No rest days are allowed and only one week holiday per annum, unpaid.

No meal breaks are allowed. The top hat may be used to hold a snack. You must inform the Superintendent before you associate, eat or drink with civilians.

Before attending for medical examination and interview to join the police, it is advisable to have a bath.

You are NOT allowed to sit down in public houses at any time.

You must expect a hostile reception from all sections of the public and be prepared to be assaulted, stoned or stabbed in the course of your duties.