By the late 18th century, Paisley was a growing industrial town experiencing increasing disturbances, riots, and political unrest. In response, the Town Council convened on 30th October 1800 and decided to appoint a number of constables to help maintain order. However, this informal approach to policing was deemed inadequate, leading to discussions among magistrates, councillors, and the wider community about the need for a more structured force. This culminated in a bill for a formal police establishment, which received Royal Assent in 1806.
The newly established force consisted of:
1 Superintendent of Police
2 Sergeants
4 Officers
12 Watchmen
This small force was tasked with enforcing local laws, maintaining public order, and dealing with disturbances, which were common in the growing industrial town.
Paisley's Radical Past and the Need for Policing
Paisley had long been a centre of radical political thought, particularly among the town’s weavers and skilled labourers. The early 19th century was a time of economic hardship, with the decline of the weaving industry causing widespread unemployment and discontent. This led to protests, strikes, and calls for political reform.
In 1812, riots erupted due to food shortages and rising prices, exacerbating tensions between the working class and local authorities.
Between 1816 and 1820, Paisley became a hub of radical activity, particularly during the Radical War of 1820, when workers across Scotland organised strikes and protests against the government’s refusal to implement parliamentary reform. The movement was brutally suppressed, with many radicals arrested or deported.
The Peterloo Massacre of 1819 in Manchester, where government forces killed and injured peaceful protesters demanding voting rights, further heightened unrest across Britain, including in Paisley.
Given this turbulent backdrop, the establishment of an organised police force was not merely about dealing with petty crime but also about controlling political dissent and protecting the interests of the ruling class.
Recruitment and Conditions for Early Police Officers
Policing in the early 19th century was a challenging and often dangerous profession. Job advertisements for Peel’s Police in London (which became the Metropolitan Police in 1829) provide insight into the expectations and conditions for constables in Paisley at the time.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants had to be aged between 23 and 40.
They needed to be of good character, physically fit, and capable of walking long distances.
No formal training was required, but officers were expected to learn their duties on the job.
Pay Structure:
Constable – 17 shillings per week
Sergeant – £1 1s per week
Superintendent – £3 10s per week
Chief Constable – £13 19s per week
For comparison, skilled weavers could earn more than constables, which made policing a less attractive profession financially, despite its perceived prestige.
Working Conditions in 1839
The phrase “a policeman’s lot is not a happy one” perfectly described the reality of life as a constable in the early 19th century. Officers endured harsh conditions, long hours, and little public support. The following were typical terms and conditions for a police constable in 1839:
Long Shifts & No Days Off: Officers worked shifts of eight, ten, or twelve hours, seven days a week, with no scheduled rest days.
Uniform Regulations: Police uniforms had to be worn at all times, even off duty, to prevent accusations of spying on the public. A duty band was worn to indicate whether an officer was actively on duty.
Facial Hair Rules: Officers were encouraged to grow beards, as shaving was believed to be unhealthy, but beards could not exceed two inches in length.
Voting Restrictions: Policemen were not allowed to vote in elections, reinforcing their status as public servants rather than citizens with political rights.
Public Conduct:
Gossiping with the public was strictly forbidden, especially with female servants or women on duty.
Policemen were not allowed to walk or converse with colleagues—a brief word was permitted, but they had to move on quickly.
Physical Demands: Officers had to walk approximately 20 miles per day as part of their patrol duties.
No Rest Days & Limited Breaks:
No official rest days were permitted.
Only one week of unpaid leave per year was allowed.
The top hat was commonly used to store food, as officers had little opportunity for meal breaks.
Social Restrictions: Officers had to seek approval from the Superintendent before associating, eating, or drinking with civilians.
Hygiene Standards: Before attending a medical examination and interview, applicants were advised to take a bath.
Public Hostility: Policemen could expect to be assaulted, stoned, or stabbed as part of their duties, as they were often seen as enforcers of unpopular laws rather than protectors of the people.
These conditions reflect how policing at the time was as much about social control as it was about crime prevention. Officers had to maintain strict discipline and adhere to a rigid code of conduct, with little personal freedom.
Paisley’s Bridewell and the Evolution of Law Enforcement
As part of the broader movement towards criminal justice reform, discussions began in 1812 regarding the construction of a Bridewell (prison) in the County. Before this, Paisley had limited facilities for dealing with offenders, and the increasing number of arrests meant that a more permanent solution was needed.
The Town Council agreed to contribute towards the cost of the proposed building, which would include:
A Bridewell (house of correction)
A Gaol (prison)
A Court House
Public Offices for the Burgh of Paisley and the County of Renfrew
An Act of Parliament was passed on 7th June 1815, authorising the construction. Work began in 1818, and by 1821, the Bridewell was operational.
Purpose and Conditions of the Bridewell
The Bridewell system was designed not only to detain criminals but to reform them through hard labour. Common punishments included:
Oakum picking (tearing apart old ropes for reuse in shipbuilding)
Treadmills (forcing prisoners to walk on giant wheels to power machinery)
Breaking stones for road construction
The prison also housed debtors, who were often imprisoned for owing small amounts of money. These individuals were kept separate from hardened criminals but faced similar harsh conditions.
Comparison to Other Scottish Police Forces
Paisley’s police force was among the earlier organised forces in Scotland, following:
Glasgow (1800) – The first professional police force in Britain, with John Stenhouse as its first Master of Police.
Edinburgh (1805) – Developed under the influence of Patrick Colquhoun, a Scottish reformer who played a key role in shaping modern policing.
However, it predated the Metropolitan Police (1829), established by Sir Robert Peel, which became the model for modern policing. Paisley’s early force likely influenced the development of law enforcement across other Scottish burghs.
Conclusion
Paisley’s early police force was a product of its time, balancing public order, crime prevention, and political control. The creation of a Bridewell reflected broader changes in the criminal justice system, shifting towards rehabilitation rather than mere punishment.
Despite harsh working conditions and public hostility, these early police officers laid the groundwork for the modern policing system in Scotland.
Comments