The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

[Gordon Craig]

I don't have any artifacts to display from this force but I thought the information below may be of interest to some from what may be the oldest police force in North America. Information is from the RNC web site.

Regards,

Gordon

Some Highlights of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s Heritage

Early 18th Century Roots

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has the deepest roots of any police force in Canada and possibly North America. These roots date back to 1729 when Newfoundland’s first Governor, Captain Henry Osborn of the Royal Navy, created six separate judicial districts: Bonavista, Trinity, Harbour Grace, St. John’s, Ferryland and Placentia, each with justices and constables. In all there were 31 constables assigned to these judicial districts1. The justices and constables continued to maintain law and order during the winter months when the Governor returned to England with the naval vessels that accompanied the fishing fleet. According to Bannister a ‘naval state’ soon evolved which formed the basis on which local government was administered. Officers of the Royal Navy supported and enforced a justice system based on local customs and transplanted English institutions. This proved to be an effective system of governance, which along with its administrative districts, prevailed until the end of the eighteenth century2.

1 The appointment of constables is noted in the general histories of Newfoundland, including: the island’s first comprehensive history by its first Chief Justice, John Reeves (1793); the magisterial work by local judge D. W. Prowse (1895) a century later, and by Jerry Bannister (2003), whose work The Rule of the Admirals: Laws, Custom and Naval Government in Newfoundland, 1699-1832, won the Canadian Historical Association’s Sir John A. MacDonald Prize, the first time an author in Atlantic Canada had received such an award.

2 Bannister (2003)

Towards the Establishment of the Newfoundland Constabulary

Constables in St. John’s had been paid since the early nineteenth century. In 1812 Governor Sir John Duckworth hired constables out of the proceeds of the annual licensing of the town’s taverns. Representative government was attained in 1832; and after 1833 the new Newfoundland legislature paid the salaries of magistrates and constables from the general revenue in St. John’s and the larger outports. However, elections brought crowds and demonstrations, and it became more obvious than ever that it was the military garrison that was essential in dispensing crowds and quelling riots. A bolstered constabulary was needed to maintain law and order and steps were taken in that direction through Sir John Harvey, who was appointed Governor of Newfoundland in 1841. Harvey had been an Inspector-General of Police for the province of Leinster in Ireland during part of the 1830s. He wanted an expanded constabulary force and recruited Timothy Mitchell to the local force in 1844. Mitchell had earlier served under Harvey in the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC); and it was the RIC policing model that would gradually, but significantly influence the development of the Newfoundland police force for years to come3.

In 1853 Mitchell was appointed to the newly-created position of Inspector and General Superintendent of Police. Within five years the number of constables in St. John’s had risen from six to 16. There were an additional 63 constables in the outports. Mitchell would serve as Inspector and Superintendent of the Constabulary until 1871 when the force was re-organized and greatly expanded due to the withdrawal of the British garrison the previous year. Bert Riggs, archivist for the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, stated in an article about Mitchell, “The subsequent development of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary owes much to the solid foundation Mitchell built in the years leading to its establishment.”4

3 Baker (1982), pp. 5-16.

4 Riggs (September 18, 2001)

The Newfoundland Constabulary in Pre-Confederation Newfoundland

The Newfoundland Constabulary was formally established in 1871 with its headquarters in St. John’s; and Thomas Foley, another veteran of the Royal Irish Constabulary, was appointed as Inspector of Police. By 1880 the new force consisted of one hundred men, half of whom were stationed in St. John’s5. The Constabulary’s leadership continued to be recruited from the RIC during the nineteenth century. Both Paul Carty, who headed the Constabulary from 1873-1895, and John McCowen, who served as Inspecto General from 1895-1908, had served with the RIC before joining the Newfoundland force. McCowen also served 16 years (1879 -1895) as Governor of Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in St. John’s. In both capacities he excelled, receiving honors for his leadership, bravery and vision. In 1909 John Sullivan became the first native-born Newfoundlander to head the Constabulary.

The rank-and-file of the Newfoundland Constabulary continued to exhibit values and professionalism reflective of the highest police standards. Constables were stationed in major towns throughout Newfoundland and Labrador6, and the Constabulary remained the only police force in the country.

In 1935 the newly-established Commission of Government created the Newfoundland Ranger Force, modeled after the RCMP, to police the more remote areas of the island and Labrador. During World War II the Constabulary established a special Security Division in St. John’s to address civil security wartime concerns. The outstanding contributions of Newfoundland Constabulary officers on the Home Front during the War have been well researched and documented7.

5 Baker, p. 13

6 According to Arthur Fox (1971, p. 24) two constables were stationed in Labrador as early as 1832-33.

7 Browne (2008)

The Constabulary in Post-Confederation Newfoundland

With Confederation came the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who were contracted to provide policing services to the new province. They took over the duties of the Ranger Force and assumed policing responsibilities for all areas of the province outside of St. John’s. However, the Constabulary still had the authority to enforce the law anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador, and was called on by the provincial government to reinforce the RCMP during the IWA loggers strike in 1959. During that time a young constable, William Moss, was killed in the line of duty.

In 1979 the force had the prefix ‘Royal’ conferred on it by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of its long and distinguished service to Newfoundland and Labrador. It is only one of six police forces in the Commonwealth to receive such an honor. The next year saw the first women being sworn in as constables8.

Beginning in the 1980s the jurisdiction of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was extended to various areas which had been policed by the RCMP since Confederation. It now also polices the Northeast Avalon (which includes Mount Pearl and surrounding communities), the city of Corner Brook, and Labrador West.

The history of the Newfoundland Constabulary was detailed by former Sergeant Arthur Fox in 1971, one hundred years after its formal establishment. In 1987 the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Historical Society was established; and in 1989 a museum displaying artifacts, documents and photographs depicting the force’s heritage was officially opened at the RNC Headquarters at Fort Townshend. On 3 May 2005 an international ceremony was held as the RNC made a formal exchange of colors with Garda Siochana na hEireann, the police force of the Republic of Ireland, in recognition of the historic links between the two forces. In 2008 a fascinating account of the role of the Newfoundland Constabulary on the Home Front during World War II was provided by Deputy Chief of Police (retired) Gary Browne.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s rich heritage is well documented and the force appears destined for a strong future. On 2 September 2005 the first Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Recruit class graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with Diplomas in Police Studies. Most of the recruits already held at least one university degree and some had achieved levels of excellence recognized by the university. All appear to be on the road to exemplary careers with Canada’s oldest police force.

Sergeant Jim Penton & Vince

Sergeant Jim Penton

Sgt. Penton joined the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary April 4th, 1983.

In 2003 Sgt. Penton completed the Toronto Police Service's fifteen week, intensive Mounted Unit Training program, where he was awarded the silver hoof pick for most outstanding graduate.

Prior to joining the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s Mounted Unit, Sgt. Penton worked in: Northeast Avalon - Patrol Services Division, Communications Center, Service of Process Section, Provincial Court, Traffic Court, Criminal Investigation Division – RCMP/RNC Joint Force Operation Drug Unit and JFO Criminal Intelligence Unit.

Sgt. Penton is the NCO in charge of the RNC Mounted Unit, Operational Support Services.

Vince

Vince was named after Sgt. Vince Noonan, a Mounted policeman with the RNC in the 1950's. Vince was proudly donated to the RNC by Honorary Inspector Bill Bradley.

Vince is a 12 year old Percheron, born in Georgia, U.S.A.

Vince stands 17.2 hands high and weighs 1900 lbs. Vince and Sgt. Penton have worked together since October 2003.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Gordon - what a wonderfully interesting post. Thankyou for taking so much time and trouble to prepare it all.

Whilst I had obviously heard of the Force, I knew virtually nothing about it - and now I do.... Something additional I also learned - the mounted section wear British - Metropolitan Police Helmets. Outside of the UK the only other ones, on a regular basis, are New Zealand and Gibralter. Would it be possible to get an enlargement , particularly of the helmet plate ?

Another question - with the early Victorian connection, did they carry heraldicaly decorated truncheons - and if so, do any of the museums have examples ? I can only say, that I hope when I post on police items, that I am as informative as you have been. Mervyn

Edited December 12, 2009 by Mervyn Mitton

[Mike Dwyer]

Gordon,

In reference to having the deepest roots, although I guess this is actually a fiction, since there was a change in government, the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office in Maryland, when I lived in the area in the late 1980's, used to have on their vehicles "Serving Since 1696" and they still have "1696" on their uniform shoulder patches as evidenced by the patch shown on their web site.

Edited December 12, 2009 by Mike Dwyer

[speagle]

I don't have any artifacts to display from this force but I thought the information below may be of interest to some from what may be the oldest police force in North America. Information is from the RNC web site.

Regards,

Gordon

Some Highlights of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's Heritage

Early 18th Century Roots

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has the deepest roots of any police force in Canada and possibly North America. These roots date back to 1729 when Newfoundland's first Governor, Captain Henry Osborn of the Royal Navy, created six separate judicial districts: Bonavista, Trinity, Harbour Grace, St. John's, Ferryland and Placentia, each with justices and constables. In all there were 31 constables assigned to these judicial districts1. The justices and constables continued to maintain law and order during the winter months when the Governor returned to England with the naval vessels that accompanied the fishing fleet. According to Bannister a 'naval state' soon evolved which formed the basis on which local government was administered. Officers of the Royal Navy supported and enforced a justice system based on local customs and transplanted English institutions. This proved to be an effective system of governance, which along with its administrative districts, prevailed until the end of the eighteenth century2.

1 The appointment of constables is noted in the general histories of Newfoundland, including: the island's first comprehensive history by its first Chief Justice, John Reeves (1793); the magisterial work by local judge D. W. Prowse (1895) a century later, and by Jerry Bannister (2003), whose work The Rule of the Admirals: Laws, Custom and Naval Government in Newfoundland, 1699-1832, won the Canadian Historical Association's Sir John A. MacDonald Prize, the first time an author in Atlantic Canada had received such an award.

2 Bannister (2003)

Towards the Establishment of the Newfoundland Constabulary

Constables in St. John's had been paid since the early nineteenth century. In 1812 Governor Sir John Duckworth hired constables out of the proceeds of the annual licensing of the town's taverns. Representative government was attained in 1832; and after 1833 the new Newfoundland legislature paid the salaries of magistrates and constables from the general revenue in St. John's and the larger outports. However, elections brought crowds and demonstrations, and it became more obvious than ever that it was the military garrison that was essential in dispensing crowds and quelling riots. A bolstered constabulary was needed to maintain law and order and steps were taken in that direction through Sir John Harvey, who was appointed Governor of Newfoundland in 1841. Harvey had been an Inspector-General of Police for the province of Leinster in Ireland during part of the 1830s. He wanted an expanded constabulary force and recruited Timothy Mitchell to the local force in 1844. Mitchell had earlier served under Harvey in the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC); and it was the RIC policing model that would gradually, but significantly influence the development of the Newfoundland police force for years to come3.

In 1853 Mitchell was appointed to the newly-created position of Inspector and General Superintendent of Police. Within five years the number of constables in St. John's had risen from six to 16. There were an additional 63 constables in the outports. Mitchell would serve as Inspector and Superintendent of the Constabulary until 1871 when the force was re-organized and greatly expanded due to the withdrawal of the British garrison the previous year. Bert Riggs, archivist for the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, stated in an article about Mitchell, "The subsequent development of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary owes much to the solid foundation Mitchell built in the years leading to its establishment."4

3 Baker (1982), pp. 5-16.

4 Riggs (September 18, 2001)

The Newfoundland Constabulary in Pre-Confederation Newfoundland

The Newfoundland Constabulary was formally established in 1871 with its headquarters in St. John's; and Thomas Foley, another veteran of the Royal Irish Constabulary, was appointed as Inspector of Police. By 1880 the new force consisted of one hundred men, half of whom were stationed in St. John's5. The Constabulary's leadership continued to be recruited from the RIC during the nineteenth century. Both Paul Carty, who headed the Constabulary from 1873-1895, and John McCowen, who served as Inspecto General from 1895-1908, had served with the RIC before joining the Newfoundland force. McCowen also served 16 years (1879 -1895) as Governor of Her Majesty's Penitentiary in St. John's. In both capacities he excelled, receiving honors for his leadership, bravery and vision. In 1909 John Sullivan became the first native-born Newfoundlander to head the Constabulary.

The rank-and-file of the Newfoundland Constabulary continued to exhibit values and professionalism reflective of the highest police standards. Constables were stationed in major towns throughout Newfoundland and Labrador6, and the Constabulary remained the only police force in the country.

In 1935 the newly-established Commission of Government created the Newfoundland Ranger Force, modeled after the RCMP, to police the more remote areas of the island and Labrador. During World War II the Constabulary established a special Security Division in St. John's to address civil security wartime concerns. The outstanding contributions of Newfoundland Constabulary officers on the Home Front during the War have been well researched and documented7.

5 Baker, p. 13

6 According to Arthur Fox (1971, p. 24) two constables were stationed in Labrador as early as 1832-33.

7 Browne (2008)

The Constabulary in Post-Confederation Newfoundland

With Confederation came the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), who were contracted to provide policing services to the new province. They took over the duties of the Ranger Force and assumed policing responsibilities for all areas of the province outside of St. John's. However, the Constabulary still had the authority to enforce the law anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador, and was called on by the provincial government to reinforce the RCMP during the IWA loggers strike in 1959. During that time a young constable, William Moss, was killed in the line of duty.

In 1979 the force had the prefix 'Royal' conferred on it by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of its long and distinguished service to Newfoundland and Labrador. It is only one of six police forces in the Commonwealth to receive such an honor. The next year saw the first women being sworn in as constables8.

Beginning in the 1980s the jurisdiction of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was extended to various areas which had been policed by the RCMP since Confederation. It now also polices the Northeast Avalon (which includes Mount Pearl and surrounding communities), the city of Corner Brook, and Labrador West.

The history of the Newfoundland Constabulary was detailed by former Sergeant Arthur Fox in 1971, one hundred years after its formal establishment. In 1987 the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Historical Society was established; and in 1989 a museum displaying artifacts, documents and photographs depicting the force's heritage was officially opened at the RNC Headquarters at Fort Townshend. On 3 May 2005 an international ceremony was held as the RNC made a formal exchange of colors with Garda Siochana na hEireann, the police force of the Republic of Ireland, in recognition of the historic links between the two forces. In 2008 a fascinating account of the role of the Newfoundland Constabulary on the Home Front during World War II was provided by Deputy Chief of Police (retired) Gary Browne.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's rich heritage is well documented and the force appears destined for a strong future. On 2 September 2005 the first Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Recruit class graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with Diplomas in Police Studies. Most of the recruits already held at least one university degree and some had achieved levels of excellence recognized by the university. All appear to be on the road to exemplary careers with Canada's oldest police force.

Sergeant Jim Penton & Vince

Sergeant Jim Penton

Sgt. Penton joined the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary April 4th, 1983.

In 2003 Sgt. Penton completed the Toronto Police Service's fifteen week, intensive Mounted Unit Training program, where he was awarded the silver hoof pick for most outstanding graduate.

Prior to joining the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's Mounted Unit, Sgt. Penton worked in: Northeast Avalon - Patrol Services Division, Communications Center, Service of Process Section, Provincial Court, Traffic Court, Criminal Investigation Division – RCMP/RNC Joint Force Operation Drug Unit and JFO Criminal Intelligence Unit.

Sgt. Penton is the NCO in charge of the RNC Mounted Unit, Operational Support Services.

Vince

Vince was named after Sgt. Vince Noonan, a Mounted policeman with the RNC in the 1950's. Vince was proudly donated to the RNC by Honorary Inspector Bill Bradley.

Vince is a 12 year old Percheron, born in Georgia, U.S.A.

Vince stands 17.2 hands high and weighs 1900 lbs. Vince and Sgt. Penton have worked together since October 2003.

GORDON:

Excellent post! I very much enjoyed reading it. Thanks for making time to do it.

Ed

[Mervyn Mitton]

Mike - that 1696 date takes it back to the time of Queen Anne. Would you be able to dig-up any more info. from the museum ?

[Mike Dwyer]

Mike - that 1696 date takes it back to the time of Queen Anne. Would you be able to dig-up any more info. from the museum ?

Mervyn,

I no longer live in that part of the country, so I don't have access other than through the Internet. I did find a page on the Web about the history of the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office. The introduction states:

On April 22, 1696 Thomas Greenfield was appointed by Governor Sir Francis Nicholson as the first sheriff of Prince George's County, Maryland. the first courthouse in the county was established by Sheriff Greenfield in Saint Paul's Church in Charlestown, Maryland. This was the county seat until November, 1696 when it was moved to a storehouse owned by Mr. David Small. The County seat then moved to Upper Marlboro in the 1720's where it still houses the County Government, Courts and Corrections Center. The original duties of the Sheriff included the collection of taxes, making public proclamations, calling the court into session, administering corporal and capital punishment, maintaining the county jail and enforcing the law. The office had no budget as the Sheriff was paid a fee for each service that was performed. For example, he might be paid a portion of a hogshead of tobacco for each prisoner in the county jail or for each paper of warrant served. Some of these responsibilities have become obsolete or have been taken over by other governmental agencies but the Sheriff has retained some of the original common law duties of the original Sheriff.

You can read the entire page at http://www.pghistory.org/PG/PG300/sherifhist.html

According to another Web page I visited Lt. Gen. Sir Francis Nicholson was a career British Army officer who served as governor, or acting governor, of several North American colonies (New York, Virginia, Maryland, Nova Scotia, Placentia, and South Carolina). He was royal governor of Maryland from 1694-1699.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Thankyou Mike - this explains very clearly how the English term Sheriff, came to be used in America. The Governors' - perhaps not this one - would have known the meaning of the office from Britain and used it in the same context in the new Colonies.

Thankyou for taking the time to research this - it has made everything a lot clearer. Again - the old Anglo-Saxon term - the 'Posse Comitatus' - or, instant pursuit after criminals, was also adapted to the U.S. - Posse.

[Mike Dwyer]

Thankyou Mike - this explains very clearly how the English term Sheriff, came to be used in America. The Governors' - perhaps not this one - would have known the meaning of the office from Britain and used it in the same context in the new Colonies.

Thankyou for taking the time to research this - it has made everything a lot clearer. Again - the old Anglo-Saxon term - the 'Posse Comitatus' - or, instant pursuit after criminals, was also adapted to the U.S. - Posse.

Mervyn, most US sheriff's still have Posses, but they don't usually pursue criminals anymore. Our sheriff here where I live in Florida has a posse, but it is an unpaid, all volunteer force of citizens who own their own horses and they're used for search and rescue missions, searching for lost children, etc.

Gordon, I apologize for hijacking your very excellent thread!

Edited December 14, 2009 by Mike Dwyer

[Gordon Craig]

Mike,

Not a problem. It has been interesting to see how words used in England "migrated" to the U.S.

Regards,

Gordon

[Michael Johnson]

One of my wife's ancestors served very early in the Newfoundland Constabulary, after coming out with the Royal Irish Regiment. He actually died at the barracks in St. John's, but sadly his service record hasn't survived.