Police superintendent

Andrew C. · Post by **Andrew C.** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 6:06 pm

My father always said his great grandfather was a village constable, however on a couple of census returns he is listed as Police Superintendent does this suggest he was more than a constable or is just a different name?

Post by **Anne H** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 6:40 pm

Hi Andrew,

I've no knowledge of the police force or ranks, either past or present, but a superintendant seems to be a much higher rank than a constable. Maybe this link will help until someone with more knowledge comes along.

The rank structure is on here.

http://www.police-information.co.uk/pol ... tland.html

Regards,
Anne H

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 7:38 pm

Hi Andrew

I have found quite a few who were promoted on the census then appeared to be demoted the day after.
I think it was often a case of making the person out to be a little more favoured than they actually were.

Enumerators had sets of occupations and some appeared to give what could only be called 'field' promotions.

Russell

Currie · Post by **Currie** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 5:32 am

Hello Andrew,

If he was only a Constable then he’s given himself quite a big promotion to Superintendent. Chances are that anyone subsequently seeing his census form would have known him, especially if it was in a smallish community and any false promotion would not have helped his credibility.

It might also depend on how long ago all this happened and the time available for the family story to get out of sync with the facts. The family story would have come from the Policeman based on what he wanted to say or from his children based on what their observations were when they were old enough to take much notice.

I imagine a Superintendent would have been paid a fair bit more than a Constable. Is there any evidence to suggest that his standard of living, place of residence, servants etc., was any better than average? Maybe he was a Superintendent earlier on and was demoted to Constable or moved to another area and had to start at the bottom.

If you thought it worthwhile you could post some extra information such as names, places and dates etc. and, with a bit of luck, someone might be able to turn something up.

Just a thought,
Alan.

Post by **joette** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 4:33 pm

It works out today as Constable,Sergeant,Inspector then Superintendent.Well there are a few variations but that about the structure.
It depends which branch & how many people you are supervising how much of a high "heid yin" you are.

It is possible that as he lived in a rural area that he fulfilled both roles.He may have policed his local area & also supervised the larger one.

Just spent the large part of my day working at the local Police Station where according to the History of the place one of their main duties when on late turn was to escort the good people of the place from the last train to their homes!-c early 1900's.

Andrew C. · Post by **Andrew C.** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 5:53 pm

I have a note from my father which states his Great Grandfather was originally for Fyvie Aberdeenshire where he was village constable. By the time my Great Grandmother was born they had moved to Fife, firstly Leuchars, then Pittenweem, then Kirkcaldy. The 1881 census describes William Chalmers as Superintendent of Police, and the 1891 census as Superintendent of Burgh Police. I have looked at Freecen for a William Chalmers born in Fyvie about 1835 and there are two possibles, both son’s of farmers one of whom is also an Advocate so perhaps this tells us something about his movement up the ranks if his father is well to do. I will try and confirm his father when I get around to buying some more Scotland’s People credits.

It wasn’t important just thought someone might know off the top of their heads. Thanks for the assistance.

Post by **joette** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 6:53 pm

I know there are Archives for the various Police Forces & I am thinking maybe the Mitchell may have some of them.

I know that the Police force are keen to keep their history alive & many forces not only have Archives but also Museums. The station where I volunteer has a history written of it & the occupants-the local segeant & his family "lived" there.The 1901 census shows details & the memorobilla they have is fascinating.
The old cells are now the changing rooms complete with peepholes!! There is even reputed to be a resident ghost although I have yet to see it.

LesleyB · Post by **LesleyB** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 7:29 pm

Hi Andrew
Maybe this might help locate any records.
http://www.scan.org.uk/knowledgebase/to ... _topic.htm
Best wishes
Lesley

Andrew C. · Post by **Andrew C.** » Mon Nov 12, 2007 2:00 pm

Thanks for that. Fife archives hold the relevant service record however at £15.00 for the record to be sent out I will hang on unitl I am next in the area to have a look for free as I don't think there will be much on it of use.

GaryCarruthers · Post by **GaryCarruthers** » Sat Apr 19, 2008 12:38 am

Hi Andrew,
I have a similar problem with researching my ggg grandfather who was listed in the censuses as Police Constable then later as Police Superintendant. When he retired the census shows him as Police Contabulary Annuitant. All my attempts to find his pension records or any other Police records for that matter have failed. I cant believe such records could have just been misplaced in the archives. Here are some replies Ive received - hopefully you may find a lead to further your own research;

Thank you for your enquiry about George Carruthers. Unfortunaetly we
don't have any police records that would help you with your research. I
see that you have spent some time looking for his police records - and
forgive me if you have already tried this, but any surviving records for
the Ayrshire Constabulary are held at Glasgow City Archives. If they
don't have them then it is likely they have not survived. If you haven't
tried the Glasgow City Archive you can contact them at
archivesATcls.glasgow.gov.uk.
Regards
Christine Lodge

Ayrshire Archives
Ayrshire Archives Centre
Tel No. 01292 287584
e-mail: archivesATsouth-ayrshire.gov.uk

>>> Gary Carruthers <garcar1ATbigpond.com> 10/26/03 04:09am >>>
My ancestor was noted as being Supt of Police in Mauchline, Ayr in the
1861 census. I have attempted over 30 years to find any record of his
police record - with no luck. I am told that the records have been
misplaced. Are you able to help me with any info regarding:
GEORGE CARRUTHERS. Any info would be very much appreciated.

Alice Stewart
Records Manager
173 Pitt Street
Glasgow
G2 4JS
700 2936 (internal)
0141 532 2936 (external)

Alice.StewartATstrathclyde.pnn.police.uk

One reply from a paid researcher was "maybe he was Superintending the Police Station but his rank was actually Constable?

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