Early South Australian Police

Date: 1836 to 1846
Location: South Australia, Australia

Fear of escaped convicts from other colonies led to the early development of the South Australian Police Force. This page hopes to link to those early police.

Look out for Convicts.—We have reason to believe that several runaway Convicts from New South Wales have already found their way to Adelaide. It is our duty, therefore, to caution the settlers to take care that the individuals whom they receive into employment, are in reality British Emigrants, who have come to us by sea. All land importations are suspicious; and they are not only to be avoided, but information should immediately be given to the nearest Magistrate or Constable of the presence of any visitor from the interior, who cannot produce proper papers. Six individuals, supposed to be Convicts, have already been apprehended, and will probably be sent back to Sydney. The strong police force we hope soon to see fully organized, will, we trust, put an effectual stop to the ingress of these gentry.^[1]

Mr. Hill^[2]

His Excellency the Governor, in Council, this day appointed Mr. WILLIAM HENRY GRAY, Chief Police Constable for the Province.

GEO. STEVENSON, Clerk of Council.^[3]

We beg to represent to your Excellency that in the discharge of our duty as magistrates we attended for nearly two hours at the Colonial Secretary's office for the purpose of receiving a return from Mr. Lynes, chief constable, of the warrant issued by us against Mr. Samuel Stephens on a charge of capital felony.^[4]

POLICE FORCE.—We have just heard that His Excellency the Governor has determined to embody a police force, to consist of a horse patrol and a certain number of watchmen. It is said that Mr. Resident Commissioner objects to His Excellency's views on the score of expense. But surely the colonists are entitled to protection for their lives and properties whatever Mr. Fisher may think.

DARING OUTRAGE.—On Tuesday night, March 27, an attempt was made by some armed ruffians to assassinate Mr. Samuel Smart, the present Sheriff of the Province. About ten o'clock, two men entered the house and presented muskets at Mr. Smart, who was writing at a table. One of the men fired, and the ball grazed Mr. Smart's cheek. Mr Smart seized the gun, and both the ruffians fled. A reward was instantly offered; and we are glad to understand that one of the fellows has been secured, and can be identified by Mr. Smart.^[5]

The present police force consists of an inspector, a sub-inspector, a jailor, two under-turnkeys, a district constable, and sixteen men, ten horses, of which four are on duty and six in the bush. The night watch consists of four men, of which two only are on duty at once. The day guard consists of the same number.^[6]

Sources

1. ↑ SURVEY OF THE COUNTRY SECTIONS.. (1837, June 3). South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register (Adelaide, SA : 1836 - 1839), p. 4. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749643
2. ↑ SESSION OF GAOL DELIVERY. (1837, July 8). South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register (Adelaide, SA : 1836 - 1839), p. 4. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749653
3. ↑ Advertising (1837, October 14). South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register (Adelaide, SA : 1836 - 1839), p. 1. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749725
4. ↑ To the Editors of the South Australian Gazette. (1838, January 20). South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register (Adelaide, SA : 1836 - 1839), p. 2. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749775
5. ↑ DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE. (1838, April 7). South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register (Adelaide, SA : 1836 - 1839), p. 3. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749900
6. ↑ PUBLIC MEETING — POLICE FORCE. (1838, August 4). South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register (Adelaide, SA : 1836 - 1839), p. 3. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31750055

• Advertising (1837, July 8). South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register (Adelaide, SA : 1836 - 1839), p. 1. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749658
• THE COLONIAL REGISTER. SATURDAY, SEPTEBER 18, 1837. (1837, September 16). South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register (Adelaide, SA : 1836 - 1839), p. 5. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749699
• Charge of Capital Felony against S STEPHENS and W. WRIGHT. (1837, November 11). South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register (Adelaide, SA : 1836 - 1839), p. 1 (The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889-1931)). Retrieved December 2, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749743
• Advertising (1838, January 6). South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register (Adelaide, SA : 1836 - 1839), p. 2. Retrieved December 2, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31749764