On
March 1st, 1840, The Bahamas Police Force was formed by sixteen (16)
Men
under the command of Inspector General John Pinder.
Some, if not all of these men were former Night Guards.
Probably all, with the exception of John Pinder, were former slaves.
It is interesting to note that, in addition to the office of Inspector
General, John Pinder was also elected as a member of the General Assembly in
1840.
This
new Police Force was distinctly non-military in nature and provided a
twenty-four (24) hour patrol of thee Island of New Providence.
It was not until several years later that members were transferred to
some of the other islands.
By the end 1840, the strength of the Force was: one (1) Inspector General
and a total of thirty (30) Sergeants, Corporals and Privates (the latter were
the same as Constables).
The
following is an extract from Schedule “A” of the Police Act of 1840, showing the salaries for the
entire Bahamas Police Force:
·
One (1) Inspector General, 400
pounds per annum.
·
Two (2) Sergeants of Police – one at 125 pounds and one (1) at 100
pounds, per annum
·
Two (2) Corporals of Police, each 75 pounds per annum
·
Twenty-six (26) Privates, each 50 pounds per annum
The
Force was provided with rifles and swords, but record show that these weapons
were only carried on special occasions.
The
Act of 1840 gave the Inspector General responsibility for the organisation and
administration of the Force.
He was authorized to institute a rank structure, issue orders and
distribute the members as needed for the proper performance of their duties.
He also had the power to dismiss a member for misconduct, negligence, or
being unfit for duty.
This particular power was later removed from the office of the Inspector
and given to the local Magistrate who dealt with disciplinary charges brought
against police officers.
In
1845, the Legislature considered the Police Force too large and costly to
maintain. For
this reason, its strength was reduced to one (1) Inspector and sixteen (16)
Constables. Collectively,
their annual salary was only 904 pounds.
In 1849, Stephen Dillet was appointed Acting Inspector of Police. He was promoted to Inspector in 1851. This same year, the Guard House on the old public lot, situated at the time on the eastern side of Parliament Street, was converted in order to house the Police Force. The building was formerly used by the West India Regiment. The Inspector at that time also served as Postmaster and Coroner. The latter office Mr. Dillet resigned shortly after his appointment when it was discovered hat his various duties were conflicting. However, he continued to hold the offices of Postmaster and Inspector of Police.