NCJ Number
57000
Date Published
1978
Length
315 pages
Annotation
THIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A MAN WHO ROSE FROM CHIEF CONSTABLE OF A COUNTY POLICE FORCE IN ENGLAND TO BECOME THE CHIEF INSPECTOR OF CONSTABULARY CHRONICLES CHANGES IN DUTIES AND METHODS OF POLICE OPERATION OVER 40 YEARS.
Abstract
IN 1932 THE COUNTY POLICE FORCES OF ENGLAND DEALT WITH A SLOWLY-MOVING WORLD. EQUIPMENT WAS MINIMAL, AND OFTEN UNIFORMS WERE INCOMPLETE OR NOT IN THE BEST CONDITION. THE STORY MOVES FROM THESE QUIET DAYS THROUGH THE CRISIS THAT FACED ENGLISH POLICE DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR WHEN THE CONSTABULAR WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR CIVIL DEFENSE, CIVILIAN SAFETY DURING THE BOMBING RAIDS, AND THE MAINTENANCE OF ORDER DURING DIFFICULT TIMES. AMONG INCIDENTS DESCRIBED ARE THE AUTHOR'S PARTICIPATION IN PLANNING FOR THE INVASION OF EUROPE WHILE SERVING ON GENERAL DWIGHT EISENHOWER'S HEADQUARTERS STAFF, THE INVASION ITSELF, AND HIS FORCED RESIGNATION OF A TERRITORIAL ARMY COMMISSION BECAUSE EXPERIENCED POLICE OFFICERS WERE SO NEEDED IN WARTIME LONDON. THE MODERNIZATION OF THE DURHAM AREA POLICE FORCE AND THE CHALLENGES OF POLICING IN THE LANCASHIRE AREA ARE EXPLAINED IN DETAIL. THE BOOK ALSO COVERS THE RESISTANCE AMONG POLICE WHICH ACCOMPANIED THE INTRODUCTION OF RADAR, PANDA CARS, AND PERSONAL RADIOS. THE CHANGING NATURE OF POLICE WORK IS DOCUMENTED THROUGH STORIES OF LABOR RIOTS, TERRORIST ACTIVITIES, AND RISING CRIME RATES. ADAPTATIONS IN POLICE STRATEGY TO MEET THESE CHANGES ARE DESCRIBED. AN INDEX IS PROVIDED. (GLR)