This book evolved from a series of articles which appeared in the 'Western
Ancestor', the journal of the Western Australian Genealogical Society in 1985
and 1986 under the title 'Searching for Ancestors in the Western Australia
Police Force'. They were written in response to the many enquiries that the
author has received from people who knew or believed that their forbears had
served as policemen in Western Australia in the last century.
Covering the development of policing in Western Australia from the
establishment of the colony in 1829, it is followed through until the close of
the nineteenth century.
This book does not purport to be a definitive history of the Western
Australia police force, rather it is to be regarded as a backdrop for the men
who served in it. The author has used an anecdotal style as incidents taken
directly from police occurrence and letter books sometimes provide a clearer and
memorable picture of contemporary conditions than the bare statement of facts.
Where possible, names of serving policemen have been included, but records of
the early years are sometimes scanty, with individual names being omitted or
shown with incorrect initials and suspect spelling.
Contents:
List of Illustrations and Maps
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Conversion Table
Preface
1. The Beginnings
2. Settlement
3. The Aborigines and the White Man
4. The Winds of Change
5. The Convicts Arrive
6. The Changing Scene
7. A Fragmented Police Force
8. A Superintendent Appointed
9. John Augustus Conroy
10. Conroys' Problems
11. Acting Superintendent Barlee and Inspector Hogan
12. Sir Alexander Cocjkburn-Campbell
13. Superintendent William Hogan
14. The Hogan Years
15. Acting Superintendent Crampton
16. Superintendent G.E.C. Hare
17. Matthew Skinner Smith
18. Aborigines, Settlers, Magistrates and Publicans
19. The Fenians and the Police
20. Police Duties and Internal Discipline
21. Extended Frontiers and More Problems
22. George Braithwaite Phillips
Conclusion
Appendix 1. Flash Language
Appendix 2. Salary Lists
Bibliography
Index
