Nottingham City Police

The force was founded originally in 1836 with a body of three police officers working days and 12 police officers working evenings. The previously existing system of night watchmen was retained for the hours of darkness.^[1] The force operated under the existing High Constable William Barnes who had held the traditional position of authority in the borough since 1833. The force failed after five years, with internal rivalries between the different shifts and general incompetence on the parts of the watchmen leading to its lack of efficiency.^[2]

Trips by the town's authorities to neighbouring Derby to observe their new police force in action prompted the Nottingham Corporation to disband the force baring the three 'day police' officers. They re-launched a new force in 1841 with 47 officers, including an Inspector and 12 Constables for the day and four Inspectors and 30 Constables for nights. When this force hit the beat they were far more successful.

The force was further reviewed in 1851 and expanded to two Inspectors, five Sergeants and 53 Constables. It would also now have a Superintendent “who shall have no other duties than the management of the Police Force”.^[1] Supt. William Reddish was appointed at a salary of £150 plus house and coal. William Barnes retained his position as High Constable but had no more involvement with running the force. The review also introduced a Criminal Investigation Department to the force for the first time.

List of Chief Constables:^[3]