History

In early nineteenth century Canada, the term "police" was practically synonymous with the genera powers of civil government. It was not until Sir Robert Peel in London, England established the "new model" police, that a new meaning for "police" took existence. This new, and still present meaning is: A body of civil officers who enforce law and maintain order.

By the beginning of the nineteenth century, legislation existed in Upper and Lower Canada and the Maritime provinces, authorizing the appointment of common-law municipa1 constables by justices of the peace (an ancient British office that combined the duties of minor judge and police administrator). In the early 1830’s, significant changes occurred in the arrangements for municipal policing. Two important factors precipitated these changes. One was the police reform movement in England In particular, the 1829 enactment of the London Metropolitan Police Act. The other was the advocacy of reform of local government. In particular, the transference of local government responsibilities from justices of the peace to elected municipal councils.

These two reform movements occurred when charters of incorporation were being enacted for major cities and towns in the early 1830’s. These charters transferred almost all the local government responsibilities of the justices of the peace, to elected municipal councils. Often, this included the responsibility of appointing constables.

Before 1850, law enforcement in Peterborough had been haphazard at best. In 1792 the English common law was officially introduced as the law of the new Province of Upper Canada (Introduction of English Common Law Act, 1792). The following year the Parish and Town Officers' Act was enacted for the province. This Act provided for the appointment, by justices of the peace, of a high constable for each district of the province and constables in every "parish township, reputed township, or place." Like their English common-law counterparts the constables of Upper Canada were local peace officers. They were generally subordinate to local justices, and paid a modest salary for performing their duties of maintaining the Royal peace.

In all but the larger centers, the constables acted as part of a "watch" system. Peterborough employed a variation of this system: hiring individuals as "Sentinels," to act as watchmen. However, this was not effective and there was considerable dissatisfaction with the system. An 1838 article from a Cobourg newspaper "The Plainspeaker" reflected this position:

"About a year since a few "Sentinels" were established at the expense of the inhabitants, it is however to be regretted that they have only brought contempt and disgrace on those who have control of them. As they appear to be guided by the motto "Mutare sperno" (To Be Scorned). Their hitherto supporters have lost all hopes of their amendment. Let us do them justice. They were seldom seen off their post - few ever having ventured beyond the limits of the town."

The Sentinels were amateur and very poorly paid - usually according to a fee schedule based upon the execution of specific judicial processes. Under such circumstances, effective and efficient policing could hardly be expected.

On January 1, 1850 Peterborough along with several other Ontario centers, was incorporated as a town. Three weeks later the town council met for the first time. High on the -agenda was the selection of a Chief of Police. William Cummings was selected as Peterborough’s Chief Constable, from six candidates. Cummings, along with apart-time constable from each of the town’s four wards, comprised Peterborough’s first official police force. This occurred fifteen years after a police force was formed in Toronto, five years after a police force was created in New York, and four years before they were formed in Boston and Philadelphia.

The Municipal Corporations Act of 1849, under which Peterborough had been incorporated~ provided for the establishment of police forces in cities and towns of Upper Canada. An appointed officer, called a "Chief Constable" was obviously intended to be the head of the police force, subject to the direction of the Police Magistrate and the Council. However, neither his duties nor his relationship to the constables of his force were specified in statute. - As a result, Cummings found himself the Inspector of wood, shingles, fur, bark stone, coal, and the weigher of hay and merchandise. He was responsible for the town’s sole fire engine and other property the Council saw fit to leave with him. Cummings also found himself responsible for the weighing of bread in local bakeshops, immediately after it became cold. This was to ensure that customers received the same weight of bread for which they had paid Cummings was paid $45.00 a year plus a share of the fees from his other duties as inspector and weigher. By 1856, his salary had doubled to per year.

In 1858, the Municipal Institutions Of Upper Canada Act became law and introduced the concept of a Board of Commissioners of Police as the governing authority for a municipal police force. This concept was first developed in the United States in the mid 1840's & Section 374 of the Act provided that:

"In every City mere is hereby constituted a Board of Commissioners of Police, and such Board shall consist of the Mayor, Recorder and Police Magistrate, and if there is no Recorder or Police Magistrate, or if the offices of Recorder and Police Magistrate are filled by the, same person, the Council of the City shall appoint a person resident therein to be a member of the Board, or two persons so resident to be members thereof as the case may require."

The "Recorder" referred to in this section was a judicial officer appointed by the Crown (ie: the province) and held office at its pleasure. The Recorder was ex officio, a justice of the peace.

The Act stipulated that the police force was to consist of a Chief Constable and "as many constables, other officers and assistants, as the Council from time to time deems necessary, but not less in number than the Board reports to be absolutely required" Members of the force were appointed by, and held their offices at the pleasure of the Board. The Board was required to make regulations 'for the government of the Force, for preventing neglect or abuse, and for ... rendering the force efficient in the discharge of all its duties.'

Most important, was Section 379 of the Act that addressed the statues of the police:

"The Constables shall obey all the lawful directions, and be subject to the government of the board, and shall be charged with the special duties of preserving the peace, preventing robberies and other felonies and misdemeanors, and apprehending offenders, and shall have generally all the powers and privileges, and be liable to all the duties and responsibilities which belong by law to Constables duly appointed."

Again, the status of the Chief Constable and his relationship to the constables and other officers of the force were left unspecified in the Act, Presumably, however, he was to be considered one of the constables for the purposes, at least of Section 379 of the Act The reason for the adoption of Municipal Police Boards in Upper Canada remains obscure Some writers asserted that the provisions were intended to remove the police from politics, or at least political influence. This was a common problem in the United States at the time. As lime would prove, Peterborough would not be immune from the attempts of politicians to influence policing.

With the passage of the Municipal Institutions of Upper Canada Act, the Peterborough Police Force became an organization of full-time members. Even so, an author writing of the 1860’s and 1870’s noted that the police were virtually helpless in controlling the rowdyism that occurred along the lanes and “non rows. “(George Street, Hunter Street, Simcoe Street and Charlotte Street.) Whiskey sold for .25 cents a gallon. There were 10 liquor stores, 12 hotels, and six saloons in operation within the town by 1870.

It was during this period that the Peterborough Police Force was first called upon to quell a civil disturbance. Like many of the confrontations that occurred in the province, it was based on ethnic and religious frictions between English-Protestant and Irish-Catholic citizens. The Irish Catholics of the town and surrounding townships announced that they were planning to hold a parade on March 17, 1986 marking the birthday of Ireland’s patron saint. The assembly point would be the “Irish Citadel” or the Phelan Hotel (later to become the Queen’s Hotel) on Simcoe Street.

The Protestant Orangemen were determined that a parade would not be held and being outnumbered by their Irish Catholic opponents, had invited the help of the virulent anti-Catholic "Cavan Blazers." The day arrived and crowds gathered. Everyone was sure a fight was going to take place. Mayor Charles Perry, Peterborough’s fourth mayor, was of the same mind. Backed by the towns police, he read the Riot Act before the parade was scheduled to start, and ordered the crowd to disperse. Although it would have taken little to start a fight, the crowd obeyed and the parade was not held.

A vote on a bylaw to prohibit the sale of liquor in the town had been defeated in 1865. This opened the way for the establishment of numerous licensed liquor shops and taverns. With the increase in outlets came an accompanying increase in rowdyism. The out numbered police were generally helpless in the face of such rowdyism, especially when the lumber drives were on the way down the Otonabee River. Often the logs would be tied up for days at Peterborough. In the evenings, the barrooms were popular sources of entertainment for loggers and locals alike and fights were frequent. The situation was so bad that “respectable” women dared not go out on the streets after dusk.

Through the 1870’s the number of licensed premises increased and liquor began to be sold in grocery stores. So serious was the liquor problem, not only in Peterborough but throughout Ontario as well, that a great wave of temperance sentiment arose. The Dunkin Act, which became law in 1864 and had remained on the statutes after Confederation, provided a local municipal temperance option in Upper and Lower Canada. By 1878, 11 counties and 32 municipalities in Ontario had adopted the option and became "dry."

Early in 1877 the Peterborough town council received a petition from a number of citizens. The petition asked that the sale of liquor in grocery stores be prohibited; that licenses be refused to certain saloons; and the number of liquor licenses be limited Council decided to take a vote under the provisions of the Dunkin Act. Those who favored the local option were known as "Dunkinites" and those opposed as "Anti-Dunidnites," Sides soon formed and meetings were held. As too often happened when the liquor issue was being debated, some “strong-arm” methods were employed As a result, bitter feelings developed between the opposing sides. The vote was set for three days in October of 1877.

On the first day the Anti-Dunkinites took possession on of the only polling place. No Dunkinite was permitted to pass. They intended to hold the poll by force, if necessary. Finally, Chief George Johnson and his cob stables cleared the polling place and the voting was allowed to continue.

During the morning of the second thy, there were several attempts to start a disturbance; however, "good sense on the part of the supporters of law and order and the strong arms of the constables pre vented serious disturbances." The result of the vote was 524 "For" and 414 "Against." A few weeks later the village of Ashburnham (later to be incorporated into Peterborough) voted 79 "For" 87 "Against." The days of the "rum rows" were at an end.

By 1887, the Peterborough Police Force consisted of five full-time members. These members being Constables McGinty, MeGhee, Fidgeon, Adams and Chief W.H. Cooper. Chief Cooper resigned in May of that same year to become Superintendent of the Privately run Protective Police and Fire Patrol Company of Canada in Toronto. Adams was temporarily appointed Chief Constable until a permanent replacement could be found. The historical literature of the period gives no mention of who became the next Chief Constable however, it was likely Chief George Roszel returned to his position of constable.

On July 1, 1905, Peterborough became a city. The first meeting of the new city’s Board of Police Commissioners was held on April 6, 1906. The Police Force still had five members, Chief George Roszel, Constables Adams, McGinty, McHarry and Newhall (later to become Chief Constable). The total expenditures for the year were $4,100 with $3,515 going to salaries, $385.00 for clothing and equipment, $100.00 for a Truancy officer, and $40.00 for contingencies.

During 1907, Newhall was the subject of numerous complaints from the public regarding his excessive use of force and abusive language. These complaints were to follow him even as Chief Constable. The complaints were investigated by the Police Commission and determined to be unfounded. Constable McGinty was well known for his fondness of whiskey and it was alleged that he was regularly absent from duty, due to related "illness."

Also during 1907, the Police Commission passed the first regulations governing the employment of Constables. It was decided that no person should be appointed to the Force without having first passed a medical examination and producing a certificate as proof.

In 1908 a sixth man, William Meagher, was added to the Peterborough Police Force. At this time the Chief Constable received a salary of $1,200.00; Constable Newhall received $650.00; Constables McHarry, Adams and McGinty received $600.00; and Constable Meagher received $500.00 per year.

On April 30, 1910, Chief Roszel died. He had been Chief Constable for the Town and City of Peterborough for 22 years. On June 28th, of the same year, Daniel Thompson of Woodstock was appointed as Roszel’s successor at an annual salary of $1,200.00. Thompson had been a Constable in London, Ontario for 12 years and Chief Constable in Woodstock, Ontario for 4 years.

By this period of time, the Force was using bicycles to patrol the city. Two beats were regularly watched. In July of 1910 two new bicycles were purchased bringing the total number in use to three. Also in July of 1910, a telephone was installed in the Chiefs residence. (It is not known whether it was an addition to, or instead of one in the police station.) The duty roster for the week of October 23, 1910 reads as follows:

PC Adams	8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
PC Newhall	Special Duty (Plainclothes) - 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
PC McGinty	Night Duty - 6:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.
PC McHarry	Station Duty - 7:00 pm. to 8:00 a.m.
PC Meagher	9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

At this time the pay period was changed from once a month to twice a month; pay days being the fifteenth and the final day of each month.

In 1911, the Police Commission decided that no member of the Force should be permitted to have any connection with an outside business enterprise. The reason for this decision is unknown, although it can be supposed that outside business interests might interfere with the performance of an officer’s duties.

The entire expenses for the Force in 1911 were $6,700, the bulk of which ($5, 700) went to pay for salaries. Later that same year a sixth constable, Alex Kidd, was employed, bringing the force’s strength up to seven men. As a new constable, Kidd faced a probationary period, which lasted three months at a pay rate of $50.00 per month.

In 1912 the Chief Constable received a salary of $1, 200.00 per year. The new ranks of plainclothes Detective and uniform Sergeant received $850.00 and $775.00 per year, respectively McGinty, as the senior constable was paid $650.00 per year. The strength of the force was increased by one, to eight men, with sporadic resignations and hiring of replacements. The rate of personnel turnover was high due to the fact that the more recent additions to the Force tended not to remain long. For example, Alex Kidd hired as a probationary constable in 1911, resigned on May 27, 1912 to become Brantford’s Chief Constable. Also, in 1914 four members of the eight man force died. New recruits were hired to fill the vacant positions. Total expenses for the year were $13,095.

By 1916, the Force had expanded to 13 members. This was in the face of the manpower demands placed on the country by Canada’s involvement in World War I. A system of pay raises was instituted based upon the advancement of a constable from class to class. Similarly, a system of good conduct badges was adopted which allowed for a member to receive a good conduct badge and a raise in pay after eight years of service. This pay raise amounted to an additional ten cents achy after eight years of service. After 15 years of service, another ten cents per day was added. After twenty years of service, yet another twenty cents per day was added.

The year 1917 was marked by the resignation of Constable John Brown, who went to become Chief Constable for the Town of Sudbury. The same year Newhall and Meagher, now detectives, received good conduct badges for eight years of service with the Force.

In 1918, the Chief Constable was given the authority to hire men to fill vacancies without consulting the Police Commission. This action was deemed necessary because of the high rate of turnover of personnel. The total expenses for the operation of the Force amounted to $16000.00. The size of the Force was 14 men. The salary breakdown for1918 was:

Chief Constable	$2,000.00
Senior Detective	$1,163.00
Junior Detective	$1,063.00
Senior Sergeant	$1,125.00
Patrol Sergeant	$1,075.00
1st Class Constable	$1,000.00
2nd Class Constable	$900.00
3rd Class Constable	$800.00

By 1919 with the growth of the city and the increasing popularity of the automobile, traffic was becoming a problem of increasing concern. As a result, City Council passed legislation establishing "danger zones" (the forerunner of the controlled intersection) at the busier intersections. Members of the Force were required to direct traffic at such intersections. Traffic enforcement had come of age in Peterborough.

February 21, 1920 was a memorable date for the Force, for it ushered in the automotive age. The Board of Police Commissioners authorized the purchase of one automobile at a cost of $1,200.00, which included equipment and upkeep. Prior to this, the Force had been dependent on 10 taxis and commandeered private vehicles for automotive transport. The same year, City Council and the Police Commission authorized police enforcement of certain city licenses. All licenses for junk shops, second-hand goods shops, and the like now had to be approved by the Chief Constable. This was authorized because it was known that stolen goods were being passed through these shops with ease.

On November 22, 1920 John Naples, later to become Chief Constable, was appointed a probationary constable. In December, Chief Thompson resigned to become Chief Constable in Windsor. Detective Sergeant Samuel Newhall was appointed acting Chief Constable and was confirmed as the permanent Chief on January 1, 1921. Total expenditures for 1920 came to $23,991.50. The salary breakdown for the year was:

Chief Constable	$2,436.00
Detective Sergeant	$1,700.00
1st Class Sergeant	$1,600.00
2nd Class Sergeant	$1,500.00
Detective	$1,500.00
1st Class Constable	$1,400.00
2nd Class Constable	$1,300.00
3rd Class Constable	$1,100.00

In 1921 a speed limit of twelve miles per hour was enacted for the city, with the enforcement if it being the responsibility of the Force. During the same year, Newhall created the rank of Inspector with the duties being to control the police station under the ~ of the Chief Constable. Also, a motorcycle was purchased for $600.00, adding to the Force’s automotive fleet.

The year 1922 was marked by the first of what turned out to be several conflicts between the Police Commission and City Council. It began early that year when Council, seeking to reduce the tax rate because of economic conditions asked the Commission to do without two requested constables. Council cut the police budget from $28,805 to $26,000.

Judge E.G S. Huycke, the Commission’s chairman, approved Chief Samuel Newhall’s initial budget request. This approval was supported by Police Magistrate Q.A. Langley, the second member of the Commission. The third member, Mayor William Taylor, offered token opposition to the budget, but the aldermen were critical of the Commission and Newhall. The Council, however, was not prepared for a confrontation and let the initial budget stand.

In 1923 a typewriter was purchased for the Force. The old 32 caliber revolvers were disposed of in favor of the Colt Police Positive 32/20 and the Colt Police Positive .38 revolvers. Ten of these were purchased at a cost of $2950.00 each. 1923 also saw a continuation of the dispute between the Police Commission and City Council. The council planned a showdown with the Commission, and supported by a recently passed amendment to the Provincial Consolidated Municipal Act reduced police estimates from $28,843.00 to $25,000.00. The Commission ignored tile reduction and went ahead through the year spending the money as originally budgeted.

By November 15, the $25,000.00 had been spent and there was no money to pay police salaries. Led by Alderman Nagle Phelan, chairman of the finance committee, the council decided to stand firm. Chief Newhall sued in the Division Court for his two weeks salary and expenses of $25.50 for gasoline, repairs to the police car, and the rental of a taxi. The taxi was used in connection with an armed robbery when a pair of bandits were alleged to have swept through the west-end of the city and escaped. While the action in Division Court was a suit for arrears of salary owing to Newhall, it was in fact a test case, of province wide interest, hinging upon the question of whether or not the council had the right to prune the estimates of the Police Commission.

The case was heard before Judge Ward of Port Hope, who found the city liable for the Chief Constable’s salary. The following week the remaining/I city policemen sued for their salaries in Division Cohn. Judge Huycke, still a Commission member acted under a section of Division Court rules, permitting the delivery of speedy judgments in cases where there was no defense. Judge Huycke was prepared to give judgment in the suit on the officers’ behalf The City Solicitor Joseph Wearing, became aware of the action on the morning that the cases were to be called He protested the procedure, claiming the cases could not be heard as the city had given notice of appealing the Newhall judgment. The remaining 14 cases were set over until the Ontario Court of Appeal could render its judgment.

City aldermen were annoyed at the actions of the police in suing the city. City Solicitor Wearing and Alderman G.N Gordon advised that there was apparently a concurrent movement among the 14 policemen to sue the city and force it into a difficult situation. Nevertheless, they held that the policemen were giving daily service to the city and if the Police Commission had retained more men than was necessary, the policemen were not responsible. It was suggested that council consider paying the policemen, out of other available funds. "All this campaign of stampeding Council and people was simply a campaign by so-called friends of the Police Chief. The police themselves were innocent.:

In early January 1924, the Ontario Court of appeal ruled that the city council was the sole judge of the amount of money a municipality should pay/or it’s police protection. The -Peterborough council’s action did not constitute a reduction of the Police Force. The Court indicated that at most, the Police Commission could arrange to retain the existing number of officers by reducing other expenditures or lowering salaries, and it appears the Court added, "the Board of Police Commissioners could have done this."

In March of the same year, as a result of the appeal Court decision, two police officers were released from duty because of insufficient funds. At the same time, the Force took a technological step forward. A telephone and buzzer system, connecting public call boxes to the police station, was installed.

The 1924 decision by the Court of Appeal had been just one of a series of incidents which marked Samuel Newhall’s tenure as Chief of Police. Newhall had a well-earned reputation as an efficient and feared police officer. He ruled the Force with an iron hand. His administration of the law and the tactics used in its enforcement were often questioned but criminals gave the city a wide berth. He was very domineering. If he lost a case at trial he would vigorously condemn the decision and criticize the Magistrate. Members of the public oft en joked that it was not the Magistrate’s court but rather Chief Newhall’s court.

Newhall would not condone any interference in his administration of the Force. This eventually led to an inquiry, early in 1923 when communications faltered between the Chief and the Ontario Provincial Police. The Ontario Provincial Police, formed by the province in 1909, administered and enforced many provincial statutes, especially the Ontario Temperance Act (O.T.A.). The hearing was held before General Victor Williams, Commissioner of the Provincial Police, and James Hales who was in charge of O.T.A. prosecutions. Williams had considerable authority, for his office gave him the same legal standing as the provincial inspector of Legal Services who had the power to investigate the conduct of constables.

The inquiry was held as the result of an altercation between Provincial Police Constable George Cookman (a former Peterborough Police Constable) and Newhall. Early in 1923 Cookman and Newhall quarreled over arrests made at a McDonnel Street bawdy house and over O.T.A, arrests in the city. On one occasion, the provincial officer was looking for a man on a liquor charge and Chief Newhall kept the man hidden in his office.

Finally, a neighbor of Newhall’s, who resided in North Monaghan Township, was arrested by Cookman. Newhall closed the police station to Cookman, forcing him to lodge his prisoner in the county jail. Up to that time the county jail only accepted prisoners who were on remand from the courts or those already sentenced to a term of incarceration.

Thomas Thorns, the local M.P.P., asked the provincial Attorney General for an investigation of the episode. Newhall exploded saying "That damned fool Tooms is getting into this thing." On another occasion according to Tooms, Newhall told him "that this is more of your nonsense," and Tooms alleged that the Chief had threatened his wife and family.

At the inquiry, Cookman; Joseph Stewart, the local liquor license inspector; and several other provincial enforcement officers, told one story, while the Chief and his men told another. The term "liar" was used several times by Newhall as the provincial officers gave their testimony.

The Commissioners found that indiscretion was shown by Cookman, and to a much greater extent by the Chief as well. Within a few months of the inquiry, Cookman was transferred and there was no more interference by provincial constables, involving the policing of the city. However, the police probe did not end there. A group of local ministers, led by Reverend Robert Pogue of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, appeared at the next City Council meeting.

Pogue told council,
"I deplore, with all right thinking citizens; the exhibition this city recently witnessed of men on one side deliberately falsifying the evidence of a company of men on the other side and that under oath. I would urge upon this council such action as -would lead to the discovery of the guilty persons, and if it be found that the guilty are in the employ of the city, that action be taken looking toward their dismissal; as neither the life, the reputation, nor the property of any citizen can be considered safe when the custody’ of these things are at the mercy of anyone who is capable of murdering the truth."

The Chief had raised the ire of the ministers when he had inferred that certain clergymen had sought to use their influence during the probe. What he meant by "influence" was never explained. However, in an aside at that same council meeting, Mr. Pogue was reported as saying that probably nine persons out often didn’t believe the Chief.

The Examiner left the word "probably" out of Mr. Pogue’s remarks in its report of the meeting and "the fat was in the fire." The Chief undoubtedly would have sued Pogue for slander, but fortunately for the minister, the Chief’s lawyer R.R. Hall, was a staunch supporter of Mr. Pogue. Mr. Pogue was also a part owner of The Examiner, so the newspaper apologized. Pogue, however, retracted nothing and on numerous occasions did not spare the Chief in his sermons.

The third episode of I923 involving the Chief was in connection with a letter published in The Worker, a communist linked newspaper published in Toronto, and the official organ of the Worker’s Party of Canada. The writer was a Bernard Markson who described Peterborough as "The Happy Hunting Ground for Capitalists." He alleged Mr. Tooms, the M.P.P., was his informant for his criticism of Peterborough.

If Toom’s name had not been mentioned, no action would have followed. The Chief however, saw his chance to get back at the man he detested and charged Markham with publishing false news likely to injure public interest. Markson, who had previously written a series of letters, had been told by Tooms to keep up the criticism. Markham stated in his evidence regarding Tooms’ support, "I want to do something like you, but I would have been in Jail if I hadn’t been elected to the legislature. The Chief has it in for me." At the preliminary hewing, industrialists were witnesses and a review of the wages paid in Peterborough was made. As a result of the evidence given, Markham was committed for trial.

The period of 1924 to 1928 was marked by gradual change within the Force. The size of the Force remained fairly constant due to the city’s economic situation. In 1927, the Police Commissioners agreed to have the city pay for life insurance for members of the Force. The same year, a new automobile was purchased, bringing the number of vehicles in the Police Force fleet to a grand total of two.

May 3, 1928 marked a tragic day for police officers in the City of Peterborough. Provincial Police Constable Maker was shot to death while in the execution of his duty by a David Montgomery. Montgomery in turn, was slain in self-defense by Constable Leonard Matthews of the City Force. The year 1929 brought the Depression, and like other Canadian Municipalities, Peterborough was severely affected. The period from 1929 to 1937 was marked by severe labor strife across Canada and like many other centers, Peterborough suffered. During this period the Force was called upon to preserve order and maintain the peace on several occasions.

The period of the 1930’s brought another technological step forward for the Force when the first police radio system became operational. This allowed for communication between the police station and patrol vehicles. It was reputed to be the first police radio system in Canada to allow for vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

On June 29, 1937, employees of Auburn Woollen Mill went on strike, demanding a 25% pay increase. Four days later, three hundred employees of the Bonner-Worth Mill, mostly women, went out on strike in sympathy with their fellow workers.

That same day, eight policemen under the command of Inspector James Reid were forced to use billies and tear gas while escorting two trucks through picket lines of angry workers at the Auburn plant. It marked the first time that teargas was used in Peterborough. The two lines of pickets fell back but soon reformed, forcing the trucks and their police escort to retire. Five minutes later two more trucks appeared and with police mounted on their running boards, managed to push through the picket lines.

That night the striker’s committee protested to Chief of Police Newhall and the police Commission, about what they felt was the use of excessive force. Chief Newhall replied that due warning had been given and that a way had to be cleared for the trucks. He claimed that stones had been thrown at the officers who had acted in self-defense. The only satisfaction the committee received was that they could press criminal charges in court if they so desired.

Chief Newhall also charged that the "strikers were a lot of cowards who had pushed women in front of them in order that the police could not get at them." This statement only served to inflame the strikers’ passions.

The situation grew worse and on August 9 the company announced that it would re-open it’s closed mills in an attempt to break the strike. Provincial police officers were sent into the City to assist the local police escort worker into the two mills. 19 constables, led by Chief Newhall escorted 53 employees - mostly women - through the picket lines. There were three arrests but no violence. Chief Newhall later declared that he heard someone say "Stone the sons of bitches" however, no one else could later be found who had heard the remark.

While the first mill re-opened fairly peacefully, such was not the case for the second. The Mayor, seeking to follow the same procedure that had been used previously, was attacked by strikers. Within minutes, a pitched baffle broke out between the picketers and those who wished to return to work along with their police escorts. Several people were injured and 15 arrested the following day, McDonnel Street was blocked off by police and closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Strike representatives charged that the mayor and Chief Newhall were to blame for the riot and mob violence.

Criticism of police handling of the Woollen Mill strike was not the only problem faced by Chief Newhall in 1937. Joseph Wheeler, a former constable with the Peterborough Force, charged that the Chief was protecting bootleggers in the City by way of laying reduced charges. As a result of this allegation, city council ordered an investigation into the handling of liquor law violations by the Force. Judge E.C. Deroche of Belleville was selected to conduct the hearings.

The judge found that Wheeler’s charge against the Chief was not proven but rather the Chief’s actions in the cases investigated were errors of judgment. Wheeler also asked a question regarding the disposal of liquor and beer seized in police raids. The judge found that the procedures, as laid down by the Liquor Control Act whereby all seized liquor should be turned over to the liquor commission had not been followed “While 12 or 15 cases of beer were said to be laying about the Chief’s office and police station, this does not account for all or nearly all of the liquor seized.” He found that there had been a great deal of laxity in the handling of liquor but there was no evidence that any member of the police force had profited from the liquor.

The years 1937-1939 were a static period for the Force. Due to the economic conditions brought about by the Great Depression, members of the Force found their salaries cut. At the same time, operating expenses were drastically reduced as the Force operated under a "no growth" policy. No new positions were filled. The situation was so drastic that special approval had to be given by the Chief Constable in order to operate the two police vehicles.

With the onset of war in Europe and Canada’s entry into the conflict in 1939, the Force experienced a series of changes. Several members of the Force took leaves of absence in order to join the Canadian Armed Services. They were replaced by "Special Constables" who were hired to fill vacancies for the duration of the conflict.

One of these "Specials," a 45 year old Constable John Moynes, became the first Peterborough Police officer killed while on duty. Moynes joined the force in 1940 and on November 2, 1942 he was struck by a hit and run driver, while attempting to stop two racing vehicles. The driver was subsequently apprehended and convicted of reckless driving. Moynes died the following day as a result of his injuries.

Wartime rationing affected the Force in two ways. The first impacted on police operations (ie. the rationing of gasoline for police vehicles) and the second being the enforcement of ration regulations. The year 1944 brought the retirement of the man who had led the Peterborough Police Force for 23 years, Samuel Newhall. During his tenure as Chief Constable he had left his imprint as being a tough, no-nonsense police officer. He was replaced by Inspector John W. Thompson. That same year, the Force recruited 15 auxiliary police officers who were to act as a supplement to the regular Force. The new recruits were in response to a request from civilian defense authorities.

The end of the war years brought several changes to the city and to the Force: Some officers, who had enlisted in the Armed Services, returned to their former positions, necessitating the termination of the “Special Constable” Program. At the same time, war veterans were hired to fill existing vacancies. The salary structure of the Force for 1946 breaks down as follows:

Chief Constable	$3,100.00
Inspector	$2,600.00
Detective Sergeant	$2379.40
Sergeants	$2,254.40
Detectives	$2,254.40
1st Class Constables	$2,029.40
2nd Class Constables	$1,929.40
3rd Class Constables	$1,779.40
4th Class Constables	$1,679.40
Matron	$1,024.20

   
In 1946, Ontario passed the first provincial Police Act replacing all other provincial legislation governing policing in Ontario. The Act established collective bargaining rights for Ontario police officers and set out disciplinary procedures. This legislation created a professionalframeWOrkforPolicifl8 in Ontario.

In 1947, the Force took the first steps toward creating an Identification Branch. In that year) Constable (later Sergeant) William Aggas was selected to attend the identification fingerprint course at the headquarters of the R.C.M. Police in Ottawa. In 1948 he was appointed as first identification officer in the history of the Peterborough Police Force.

The fifties brought a period of rapid change to the Force. In 1950 the Force purchased it’s first fingerprint camera. One year later, the Force moved from it’s old building on Simcoe Street, into new quarters at the recently completed City Hill building. March of 1951 brought the first use of field supervision when the rank of “Acting Sergeant” was instituted.

In 1952 the Force instituted the "Safety Patrol" system1using children as crossing guards. The Peterborough program was based on a model initiated by the Ottawa Police Force. Two years later, in 1954, the Traffic Branch was formed as a distinct sub-unit within the organizational structure of the Force. Five years later the Force purchased its first radar set for use in traffic enforcement

During this period, policies also underwent considerable change. In 1950 a formal, inservice training program was instituted in the form of a lecture series. This series utilized personnel from other forces, such as the Ontario Provincial Police and the R.C.M. Police. 1957 brought, for members of the Force, compulsory firearms training and training in the use of tear gas. Two years later, a firearms policy was established after a series of incidents of indiscriminate use of revolvers “by discharging weapons while conducting criminal investigations.”

The fifties also ushered in a period of growth for the Force. In 1953 the total strength of the Force (sworn police personnel) stood at 44. By 1959 the Force had increased to a strength of 61 sworn officers. Expenditures also increased during this period. For example, the total expenditures for the year of 1953 was $190,840.00. Four years later the amount of money spent on police services had risen to $275,459.00.

Working conditions for members of the Force also changed drastically during this period. In 1950 a 44 hour work week was instituted, bringing to an end the practice of having officers work hours set at the discretion of the Chief Constable. There was also a concurrent improvement in the salaries paid to police personnel, as indicated by the following chart:

1946		1956
Chief Constable	$3,100.00	Chief Constable	$5,150.0
Inspector	$2,600.00	Deputy Chief	$4,700.00
Det/Sgt.	$2,379.40	Insp. of Dets.	$4,450.00
Sgt.	$2,254.40	Sgt. Of Dets.	$4,155.00
Det.	$2,254.40	Sgt.	$4,000.00
1st Class	$2,079.40	Traffic/Patrol Sgt.	$3,900.00
2nd Class	$1,929.40	Det.	$3,900.00
3rd Class	$1,779.40	1st Class	$3,700.00
4th Class	$1,679.40	2nd Class	$3,500.00
Matron	$1,024.20	3rd Class	$3,300.00
4th Class	$3,200.00	Matron	$3,125.00

In January 1956, John W. Thompson retired as Chief Constable, after having served in that position for 17 years. He was succeeded by his Deputy, John Naples, who like Thompson and his predecessor Newhall had been long-time members of the Force.

The same year the Board of Police Commissioners gave permission to the Chief Constable to establish a "special auxiliary force of police constable" for civil defense work. They were to number no less than 25. Three years later, Chief Naples recommended that the auxiliary police become affiliated with the Ontario Provincial Police and in 1961 the Force suspended the training and use of the auxiliary.

The year 1957 brought several tragedies to the Peterborough Police Force. The first being the second death of an on-duty force member. In May of that year, Traffic Sergeant Claire McGillen died of injuries suffered in an on-duty motorcycle accident. Also in 1957, the Force came under a cloud of scandal when at the request of the City Council, a Provincial Royal Commission of Inquiry, conducted an investigation. This investigation looked into the Administration of the City Police, as well as the conduct of Deputy Chief W.A. Clarke. It centered around allegations that persons charged with offenses were being blackmailed into becoming informers and that criminals who acted as informers were being given police protection; specifically bawdy house operators and bootleggers. The Inquiry also directed part of the investigation toward the poor crime clearance record in 1955 and 1954 and the low morale among members of the Force.

The Inquiry’s findings and recommendations were released to the public that same year, in the report of its Commissioner Mr. Justice F.G. MacKay of the Ontario Supreme Court. However, the Board of Police Commissioners was reluctant to act on the Inquiry’s recommendations regarding the reorganization of the Force.

As a result of the Board’s indifference, the City Council and other local civic groups petitioned the provincial Attorney General to appoint a new Board which would implement the Inquiry’s recommendations. In November of 1957, under pressure from Attorney-General, the resignations of the two appointed judicial members of the Board opened the way for a "reform" Commission.

Repercussions from the 1957 investigation continued to be felt early into 1958. In January of that year, Deputy Chief Clarke, who had been under a cloud of suspicion since the start of the Inquiry, submitted his resignation “in order to facilitate the reorganization of the Police Force of the City of Peterborough.

In 1959, the Board of Police Commissioner passed a by-law requiring all sworn police personnel to reside within the city unless permission had been otherwise given.

If the fifties can be said to have been a period of great change for the Force, then the Sixties ushered in a period of even greater change. During this time the Force underwent a re-organization to meet new and increasing demands of service. This started the Force on a course of almost constant change and evolution.

Following the 1957 investigation into the administration of the Force, re-organization became a priority. Changes took place slowly until the early retirement of Chief Naples in 1961 and the appointment of his Deputy W.J. Shrubb, as Acting Chief Constable. Chief Shrubb had joined the Force in l959, at the rank of Inspector after a career as an Ontario Provincial Police officer. With the confirmation of his appointment as Chief Constable in 1962, he became the first Chief of Police in Peterborough’s history to have been appointed from outside the ranks of the Force.

The year 1961 saw the institution of examinations to determine the promotion eligibility of police officers. Included in these examinations were tests of general knowledge about operating procedures, police and law enforcement techniques and procedures, and provincial and federal statutes. The group of officers eligible to take these new promotion examinations were those who had reached the rank of 1st Class constable on or before September 1960. The same year saw the number of vehicle patrol zones increased from two to three1in order to keep pace with the growth of the city. The complement of the Force stood at 67 sworn officers.

The Peterborough Police Youth Bureau was formed in 1961. Under the direction of Detective D. Traynor, the Bureau was established to provide for specialized handling of juvenile offenders, and to act as a resource for uniform and detective personnel in their dealings with Juveniles.

By 1963 the authorized strength of the Force had not changed from its strength in 1961, even though annexation had brought 8.6 square miles of suburban township and another 5,200 persons under its jurisdiction. The Peterborough Police Force was now responsible for pro viding police services to a population of 52, 200. Discussions between the administration of the Force, the Board of Commissioners of Police, and City Council were made about this shortage, and the critical nature of the situation was indicated Council, taking note of the matter, entered into a study of the problem with a view to rectify it.

The Force took a step forward in updating its communications system in 1965 when it became part of the provincial "Telex" network. This system brought the Peterborough Police Force into a communications network of 131 Ontario police agencies Including the Ontario Police College and the Attorney-General Department’s Forensic Laboratory. The system provided a rapid and secure means of communication between Ontario police agencies, thus allowing for increased co-operation and effectiveness.

The year 1967 ushered in a new era for the Force. City council had authorized appropriations for the construction of a new Police Building at the corner of Water and McDonnel Streets, opposite the City Hall. The sod-turning ceremony for the construction of the new building took place in December of 1967. The Force looked forward with anticipation at its scheduled move from City Hall to its new quarters.

1968 brought several firsts for the Force. On October 15th, the Force moved into its new quarters. At the opening of the new building on November 27th, the Force was presented with a set of Colours by the wives of members of the Force. The design of the Colours was taken from the center of the official coat of arms of the City of Peterborough. The authorized strength of the sworn Force stood at 80; although1 due to severances, it was unable to function at this strength. The same year another notable first was scored, when the first uniformed policewoman was hired.

The period from 1964- 1976 was a period of stabilization and consolidation for the Force. In 1969, the strength of the Force increased by two from its authorized strength of the previous year. 1970 brought another first, as the total operating costs for a one year period exceeded one million dollars ($1,077,511.38).

In 1971, the Force joined the R.C.M. Police administered Canadian Police Information Center (CPJC) system. The CPIC network - a nationwide computer-based telecommunications system --provided an almost instantaneous, direct, and secure communications link between Canadian police agencies, as well as data banks of information of interest to law enforcement agencies.

The years 1972 and 1973 saw the authorized number of police personnel increase to 99. The expenditures for the police service, for both years, edged toward the million and half dollar mark as public demands upon policing increased.

In July of 1973, near-tragedy struck the Force when veteran Constable David Dawson suffered serious gunshot wounds while investigating a "Break and Enter" at a local department store. After an intensive investigation by members of the Force, Constable Dawson’s assailants were apprehended, brought to trial, and convicted.

The three year period from 1973 to 1976 brought several other changes to the Force. 1975 produced decisions and arrangements for funding a new police radio system and completion of a revolver range in the police building. In the autumn of 1976 a new radio, system became operational, allowing every on-duty member of the Force to have the use of a portable radio at his disposal at all times. The system also provided means of recording both incoming and outgoing telephone and radio messages.

In 1977, the City of Peterborough, with a population of 59,181, found itself policed by a Force of 99 sworn members. The police budget for that year was $2,486,942.00. A major step in civilianization was taken with the hiring of civilian radio dispatchers. The Force also created a division specifically responsible for research, planning, training and staff development. This in turn brought with it the introduction of in-depth, in-service training for members and the start of a commitment to the principle of proactive policing.

The year 1978 was a hallmark year for policing in Peterborough. Faced with a 16.9% increase in reported crime from the preceding year, (particularly with respect to crimes of violence) the Force felt a need to re-direct its focus, to provide better service to the community. The task fell primarily to then Inspector Gordon Dawson to develop a new policing strategy. Borrowing from British and American experiments in "community policing" (which were in fact a return to the fundamental principles which established the Metropolitan London Police) one of the first successful community policing programs in Canada was designed. Based on the "generalist" concept, where the officer provides almost all police services to the public, the Peterborough "Preventive Policing Program" was targeted at the police service acting in a preventive, rather than reactive role.

The year 1979 saw the first fruits of the "Preventive Policing Program" with a 6.3 per cent decrease in the crime rate from the previous year. The same year, the Force recognized the fact that if it were to maintain its effectiveness, an increase in manpower would be required. To this end, a study was requested of and conducted by the Ontario Police Commission. The results of this investigation led to a recommendation of at least 107 sworn members to maintain its level of service to the community.

1980 saw another decrease in the crime rate from an all time of 7,048 reported offenses in 1978. This, coupled with a continuing increase in the public demand for police services, led the Board of Commissioners of Police to authorize an increase in Force complement to 107 members. However, once again the longstanding acrimony between (he Police Commission and Peterborough City Council over police financing, raised its head. Consensus on the increase in staffing could be reached.

In 1981, the council’s opposition to the Board’s authorization for eight more police officers continued. Although presented with evidence of the need for increased police manpower, longer could be appointed to Police Commission. Once again, the financing dispute arose, which had characterized the relationship between City Council, The Commission and the Force since the early 192O’s. Council, once more aroused by Chief Shrubb and the Commission’s demands for additional staff authorized a financial and management audit for the Force. The Commission agreed hoping that the audit would finally convince Council of the need for more funding. The audit, conducted by the firm of Coopers and Lybrand, turned in a glowing report. However, the staffing issue was not really addressed and was left to simmer, to become a bone of contention at a later date.

1986 saw the end of one era and the start of another. On April 21st, Chief Shrubb announced his retirement as Chief of Police, after 25 years in that office. He had outlasted his predecessor Samuel Newhall, as Chief by two years, thus making him the longest serving Peterborough Police Chief. In August, Chief Shrubb’s successor, Kevin McAlpine was appointed.

Chief McAlpine immediately faced a number of pressing issues. Among these were the planned expansion and renovation of the police headquarters building the onset of computerization and the sensitive task of adding to the Force’s complement of female officers. On top of all that, he would be expected to maintain the level of policing services the community had come to expect under the tenure of Chief Shrubb and his predecessors. This would be no easy task!

Policing in Peterborough has been a reflection of the community itself as well as those who have undertaken the task. The demands placed upon the police have reflected the changes Peterborough has gone through, from an essentially conservative, rural village, to a major urban center. Policing in Peterborough has been a history of conflicts of issues and personalities, and will no doubt continue to be so. The police in a democracy, like Canada, are at the cutting edge of social conflict and social change. Our police exist to serve the community and provide it with an opportunity to better itself.

As police writer William Westley has written, "Our police are precious to us and we need policemen whom we can trust and request, who will act in ways giving us confidence in the democracy of our community. If such is the case, Peterborough has been truly well-served."



Robert Hotson
Detective Sergeant