‘Without Fear or Favour’ – The History of the Royal Burgh of Dumfries Police 1788 – 1932
Dumfries and Galloway Libraries are delighted to host a launch event for ‘Without Fear or Favour – The History of the Royal Burgh of Dumfries Police 1788-1932’ a new history book by Dumfries author, John Maxwell. Researched over fifteen years John has produced the history of the Dumfries Burgh Police force from its earliest development in 1788 to the amalgamation with the Dumfriesshire County police in 1932.
John, a retired police officer who served with Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary for over thirty years, is launching his book at the Ewart Library, Catherine Street, Dumfries on Thursday 28th May at 6.30pm. He will also be hosting a book signing in Georgetown Library, Dumfries on Monday 1st June at 6.00pm.
This history of Dumfries burgh police chronicles how the force began, how it developed, who was in charge and most importantly, the names of all the officers that can be found to have served with the force from 1788 until 1932 when it amalgamated with Dumfries County Police to form Dumfriesshire Constabulary.
The overall theme is really about the people, officers, victims and criminals and gives an insight into the development of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian Dumfries that perhaps has been missed over the years. For example In 1787 King George 3rd. signed the ‘Beer Act’ (27G.3.C.57), that allowed Dumfries Burgh council to gather tax to pay for “…..a measure to provide for the paving, cleansing, lighting and watching of the burgh, for which there had long been felt a necessity.”
Councillor Tom McAughtrie, chairman of the customer and community services committee said “This book contains a number of historic murders and executions, criminal cases and incidents in our region; so it’s a must for the local history buffs and genealogists alike”
