Police Act of 1864 

In 1864, the Assembly passed a new Police Act.  This Act specified the number of Police Officers to be appointed, their ranks and their distribution throughout the Bahamas.  Under this new Act, provisions were made for an increase in the number of police officers in New Providence and most of the major Islands.  For example, the number of officers in New Providence was to be increased from thirty-one (31) to forty-eight (48), and in Inagua from three (3) Constable to one (1) Corporal and Four (4) Constables.  By this Act, the rank of Third Class Constable was abolished and the number of Non-commissioned Officers (Sergeants and Corporals) was increased.  Provisions were made to build Eastern Police Station on Bay Street and the Grants Town Police Station which was located on Baillou Hill Road, opposite Grants Town Post Office.  During this period, stipulations for joining the Police Force were published for the first time.  One had to be able to read distinctly and write legibly in order to become a member.

(See History of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Hand Book 1840 - 1990 at the Police Training College  Library Thompson Boulevard, Oaks Field, Nassau Bahamas)