BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE 1840-1990

Hardback. PRESENTATION COPY. Since the foundation of the County Police Force in Bedfordshire in March 1840 by the far-sighted Shire Magistrates, there have been many changes in transport, communications and the administration of the constabulary. All the changes have been carefully researched and chronicled. Events in the lives of the earliest constables offer a valuable insight into rural Victorian England and the social conditions of the era. Police arrangements during two World Wars reflect the energy and forethought given to the primary principle of the protection of life and property. Throughout their history the police are seen to be vigilant in carrying out their routine duties and are also shown at the forefront of many civil emergencies. They are called on to deal with major road accidents, train crashes, and even a hot air balloon disaster which occurred at Kempston in 1926. Murder, rioting, football hooliganism, militant strike action and armed bank robbery all threaten the peace of the community and particular instances of bravery and gallantry are faithfully recorded. Illus. 260pp. 8vo. h/back. PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED AND SIGNED BY ALAN DYER, (who was the Chief Constable of Bedfordshire at the time of the book's publication), to 'Ken' (Hannam), who had been a Commander in the Metropolitan Police. This book is from his library. F. in Vg+ dw.