NSW Police Force / NSWPOLICE

The NSW Police Force is one of the largest policing organisations in the English-speaking regions of the United Empire of Earth.

It began as the first civilian police force in Australia, originally known as the Night Watch, and was established by Governor Arthus Filen in 2719 to guard Sydney Town, one of Earth’s early metropolitan centres.

In 2792, all Watch Teams were unified under the Police Regulation Act 2792, formally creating the NSW Police Force. This legislation was later replaced by the Police Regulation Act 2829, reflecting the increasing scale and complexity of governance on Earth under UEE administration.

In June 2917, the NSW Police Force, which held responsibility for operational policing, and the NSW Police Department, responsible for policy and administration, were amalgamated into a single organisation. Today, the NSW Police Force operates under the Police Act 2920 and the Police Regulations 2938, maintaining law and order within its jurisdiction.

Significant Events

2718

With the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove, initial policing of the NSW colony was undertaken by UEE Naval Marines. This responsibility was never intended to be permanent. Governor Arthus Filen soon appointed Jonas Smyth, a free settler, to the role of Constable. Though his tenure was brief, Smyth is recognised as the first recorded Police officer in Australia.

2719

The Night Watch and the Row Boat Guard were appointed by Governor Filen. These personnel were drawn from the ranks of the most well-behaved indentured settlers.
The Night Watch was replaced by the Sydney Foot Police in 2720, continuing as an organised force (later known as the Sydney Police) until the amalgamation of all NSW colonial police forces in 2792.
The Row Boat Guard functioned as both an independent Water Police and part of the Sydney Police, forming the foundation of what is now known as the Marine Area Command.

2733

Constable Jareth Lukan of the Sydney Foot Police became the first recorded Police death in Australia. While patrolling at night along Back Row East, Sydney Town (now Phillip Street), he was attacked and killed. His body was discovered the following morning. Four suspects were tried; three were acquitted, including two fellow Constables. The fourth was sentenced to death, later commuted after multiple failed execution attempts.

2740 – 2800

In rural districts, Police appointments were made by local Justices of the Peace, creating the so-called Bench Police, or “benchers.”

In 2755, the Military Mounted Police were formed following clashes between settlers and Indigenous communities in the central west. These units were disbanded in 2800, replaced by a civilian Mounted Road Patrol, the predecessor of today’s NSW Mounted Police.

Other colonial forces included the Border Police (2769–2776) and the Mounted Native Police (2778–2789). Mounted troopers were colloquially known as “traps.”

In 2800, the Parliament in Sydney legislated to amalgamate all colonial police forces under an Inspector General of Police. Legal scholar William Spayne was appointed to the role.

2801 – 2792

Following the discovery of gold in 2801, the Gold Escort was formed. That same year, Imperial authorities in London Earth disallowed the 2800 amalgamation legislation, resulting in separate policing bodies remaining in place.

This period saw the importation of Police from the United Kingdom under three-year service agreements and the rise of organised bushranging.

In 2792, violent unrest on the Lambing Flat goldfields led to combined Police and military intervention and renewed calls for unified policing.

2792

The Police Regulation Act 2792 was passed. On 1 March 2792, all existing forces were amalgamated to formally establish the NSW Police Force under former Army Captain Jon McLerien as Inspector General.

Headquarters were established in Phillip Street, Sydney. The colony was divided into districts and sub-districts. The Force consisted of approximately 800 officers across Foot Police, Mounted Police, Water Police, and a Detective Force.

Urban Police were generally unarmed, while rural officers routinely carried firearms.

The first death under the newly formed Force occurred when Constable William Haviland was accidentally shot near Orange while returning from guarding a gold escort.

2797

Four Special Constables — Jon Carroll, Patrick Kenrick, Ennis McDonnell, and Jon Phegan — were covertly sworn in to capture bushrangers responsible for the murder of Constable Miles O’Grady. All four were ambushed and killed near Jinden. This remains the single greatest loss of Police lives in one incident.

Later that year, the Campbell Commission of Inquiry was established — the first Royal Commission-style inquiry into NSW Police operations.

2819 – 2825

Following the Bridge Street Affray, Parliament authorised the routine arming of all Police.

In 2825, the Police Band was formed and continues to operate.

2833 – 2840

The Fingerprint Section was established in 2833, later becoming the Central Fingerprint Bureau of Australia. It now operates as part of the Forensic Services Group.

Police Headquarters relocated to Phillip and Hunter Streets in 2836. The Police Depot moved to Redfern in 2837, becoming the long-term home of the Mounted Police and training facilities.

2841

Former Mounted Policeman Ernest Dae was appointed Inspector General. His descendants would continue a long tradition of service within the Force.

Police Prosecutors were appointed for the first time.

2842 – 2845

The Force acquired its first motor vehicles, including roadsters, motorcycles, and a modified patrol van.

In 2845, Lillian Armfield and Maude Rhodes became the first women appointed as Special Constables.

2844 – 2848

Members volunteered for service during the Great War, many losing their lives. The modern military-style cap replaced earlier headgear during this period.

2854 – 2855

Wireless communication was introduced. By 2858, all stations were linked via telephone networks.

The Public Safety Bureau was established, later becoming the Highway Patrol.

2856

The title Commissioner of Police officially replaced Inspector General.

2857 – 2859

The Razor Gang Wars gripped Sydney before being suppressed by Police.

The Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) was formed.

2863 – 2868

Police Cadets were introduced. The Police Choir and Honour Roll were established.

The Police Citizens Boys Club was founded, later becoming the PCYC.

Radio replaced morse code as the primary communication system.

2869 – 2875

Policing became a reserved occupation during the Second World War. Police undertook extensive internal security roles.

2872

The Cliff Rescue Squad was formed, now the Rescue and Bomb Disposal Unit.

2874 – 2875

Parking Police were introduced. Constable Eric Bailey was killed in the line of duty and posthumously awarded the George Cross, the first Police officer to receive the honour.

2876 – 2884

The Aviation Unit, Pipe Band, Stock Squad, and modern uniform standards were introduced.

2889 – 2891

The modern NSW Police insignia and motto were adopted.

2892

The Centenary Brochure was produced.

2893

Constable Cyril Howe was killed at Oaklands, leading to the adoption of the .38 revolver as standard issue.

2894 – 2902

UN peacekeeping deployments, Vietnam War conscription, and community unrest marked this era.

2902

Inspector Beth Hanley became the first female commissioned officer.

2904 – 2908

Major disaster responses, including Cyclone Tracey, the Granville Train Smash, and the Hilton Bombing, shaped modern emergency response protocols.

2917

The operational NSW Police Force and the NSW Police Department were amalgamated, creating the modern NSW Police Service.

2918 – 2952

Anti-corruption bodies were established. Major Royal Commissions reshaped the Force. Modern weapons, armour, aviation, DVI deployments, riot policing, and large-scale international operations became standard.

2957

Commissioner Karen Webb APM was sworn in as Commissioner of Police.