Weymouth and Melcombe Regis
1846 - 1921Mr. Frank Eacock was a native of Norfolk and it may be truly said that he began his police career from the lower rung of the ladder. His father had a lucrative veterinary practice in Norwich but the son elected to steer another course to that which it was naturally thought he would have followed, and comparatively early in life showed predilections for the life of an officer of constabulary.
He joined the Northampton Force, and thenceforward he continued to make progress until he took up quarters in the Weymouth Guildhall as Chief of the Borough Police Force, succeeding Mr. Charles Alfred Vickery, who had occupied the post of Superintendent. Mr. Eacock first became associated with the town as an inspector of the R.S.P.C.A., but his connection with the police as their chief, which event took place on the 9th June, 1891, heralded many important reforms in the status of the Force and its general management. The result was seen in a well-organised, splendidly disciplined set of men. But while insisting on the strictest discipline Mr. Eacock ever looked after the welfare of the men under his charge.
Mr. Frank Eacock retired as Chief Constable of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis Police in May 1916 with a pension of £200 a year.
Sources
- Western Gazette 13 October 1916 - The British Newspaper Archive
BOROUGH of WEYMOUTH and MELCOMBE
REGIS.
Police Constables Wanted
WANTED, for the POLICE FORCE of the BOROUGH of WEYMOUTH and MELCOMBE REGIS, TWO PERSONS, competent to perform the DUTIES of CONSTABLE. - WAGES (with Clothing), 18s. per week the first year; 19s per week the second year; and £1 per week after five years' service.
Applicants must be not less than five feet nine inches in height, or more than thirty-five years of age. Candidates are requested to apply, in their own handwriting (or personally), stating age, height and previous occupation, on or before Monday, June 25th next.
By Order
CHARLES LIDBURY, Superintendent.
Police Station, Guildhall, Weymouth
June 14th, 1860
Sources
- Poole & Dorset Herald, 21 June 1860 *
- * The British Newspaper Archive