Dave Wilkinson

You could try the National Archives at Kew as a long shot. Dave.

Yes, I do have several badges from the Gilbert & Ellice Islands Constabulary, the Gilbert Islands Police and their successor organisations. Dave.

Isle of Wight Constabulary. Aside from the distinctive helmet plate, he has the letters "IW" on his epaulette. Dave

Very nice Peter. Thank you for sharing. Dave.

No, you've got it wrong. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment suspended for 18 months. If he re-offends within 18 months the two years imprisonment comes into effect. He is currently a free man. Dave.

Actually, he did not go to jail. He received a suspended sentence. Dave.

Yes, I believe it is a police badge. Dave.

Nepal. Dave.

Missouri State Police. Not Los Angeles.

No, he's smiling!

Danish? Dave.

The pattern of the uniform and style of the kepi suggests its of French origin. I'm sure someone with greater knowledge than I will expand on that. Dave.

I would date to pre. 1970's. The full name is "British Overseas Airways Corporation" Dave.

British Airways cap badge. Dave.

"No Constables wore Crowns". You obviously don't know a great deal about the historical aspects of police uniform then do you?

The badges on this photo appear to have been deliberately obliterated so as to ensure that they cannot be identified. There is no definition or detail on the police helmet badge. The badge on the policeman's shoulder is a King's Crown. However, some effort has been expended to ensure that (for whatever reason) it can't be clearly identified as such. I wonder why?

Again, I think that the use of the term WPC depended on the force. In Liverpool City, Liverpool & Bootle and Merseyside (prior to 1975), women were shown as Con. 118"WP" Smith, Sgt. 10"WP" Smith., Insp. Smith "WP"., C/Insp. Smith "WP" and so on. After 1975, and for many years the letter "W" prefixed the rank. I'd guess that even that has been dropped now. During my time it was often important to be able to identify women officers on paper etc., as obviously you very often needed to ensure that a woman officer was present (or deliberately absent) on certain occasions for operational reasons. Dave.

As I understand it "Detective Sergeant" is not, a rank as such. The rank is "Sergeant" and the prefix Detective is a mere designation. Can't understand why PS is used on this particular medal, as you suggest, "Sergt" is usually the norm. In several forces the prefix "Police" in respect of ranks is regarded as being a total "non, no". PSNI (and the old RUC) is one such force and another is Merseyside Police where the title Constable is used and not prefixed by "Police". The term PS is also very much a "no, no" in Merseyside (and the PSNI). The term "PS" is, in effect, an afterthought on a piece of written correspondence, a fact of which I was forcefully remined of when I had the temerity to refer to a Sergeant as such on my return from District Training Centre many years ago. Finally, you will never find the term "Police Constable" mentioned in any UK Act of Parliament. You will find "Constable", but it is never proceeded with the word "Police". Dave.

I'm not quite sure what you mean when you refer to the security services. The term security services usually mean MI5 or MI6. I'm fairly confident that they would have no connection with the prison service. In many (but not all) British Colonies, the Prison Service often came under the management of the Commissioner/Chief of Police. Insofar as Cyprus is concerned I can confirm that the police and the prison service each had their own distinctive cap and collar badges. That was also the case in Palestine, where I can confirm that the Commissioner of Police did command both organisations. In all probability that was also the case in Cyprus. Dave.

It is a Warrington Borough Police lapel/epaulette badge. Dave.

Forgive my asking but what is "SEROD"?

I've never seen a Royal Mint produced medal with rounded edges, or with such "naff" engraving. Looks like a child has done it. In addition, I'm fairly certain that the title "Inspector of Police" would not be used on an SC medal. If the medal itself is genuine, which is a possibility, its been seriously interfered with. The edge and rim looks as if its spent some time on a grinding wheel. Dave.

In my opinion, total rubbish (the medal, that is). Dave.

You have to bear in mind that there is no National policy in respect of what type of weapon is carried. An "Asp" was the only type of baton issued in my last force. It may be a PSU item in your force but not in others. Each Chief Constable is at liberty to authorise whatever type he considers appropriate. Dave.

I've no doubt a Metpol. officer will correct me, but I think they have a choice of long straight baton, metal "Asp" baton or a PR24. The traditional wooden truncheon was discontinued at various points in time depending on the force. Each force makes its own decision with regard to the weapon used. Dave.