Wakefield City Police

Records show that a police force was formed in Wakefield in 1848, but there was some form of policing or 'watch' from 1670.

By the mid-nineteenth century the townspeople were becoming dissatisfied not only with the watchmen but those responsible for the government of Wakefield generally.

As a result of public agitation condemning defective local government, Wakefield was granted a Charter of Incorporation and the first chief of police was appointed in the summer of 1848 at a salary of £130 a year.

To maintain law and order he was given an establishment of one superintendent at £60 a year, three sergeants at £1 a week and 16 constables earning 17 shillings weekly. The total salary bill, including a 10 shillings a week clerk was £1,179 a year.

Wakefield Police Station and Lock-up in Lower King Street was condemned in 1876 as inadequate and badly ventilated and in December new premises were bought.

For more than 40 years after its formation there was no variation in the force's strength but following the granting of Wakefield's Charter in 1888 the numbers gradually rose to 80 men and two policewomen at the time of the centenary in 1948.

In its 120 years' history Wakefield had only seven chief constables. Mr. McDonald, the first, was succeeded by James Chipstead, who was associated with the town's police for 32 years. On his appointment as top man a merry peal was rung on the bells of the Parish Church, a friend being responsible for this most unusual incident, the local paper reported.