The Growth of Brighton Police Force

By Jo Blake

The Brighton Borough Police Force existed from 1838-1967. In 1838 the force consisted of a Chief Constable, 2 Superintendents, 3 Inspectors, 24 Constables and a night constable (31 officers for a population of 47,000). By 1901 there were 150 officers to police a population of 124,000 and by 1930 there were 216 officers for a population of 147,000. In 1967, just prior to amalgamation there were 427 officers for a population of 169,000.

Photo:The Growth of the Force

The Growth of the Force

This page was added by Jo Blake on 29/03/2007.

Comments about this page

My Great Great Grandfather was a policeman in Brighton in 1858.  His name was William Ashdown and he lived at 6 Ivory Place at that time.  I don't know how long he was in the police force for, as in the 1881 census he was entered as a Builder employing 9 Men and 2 Boys.  He had also moved to 13 Sussex Street by then where I believe he lived for the rest of his life.

By Marion Goodwin (26/03/2009)

My Great Grandfather was a Police Constable in 1881. He is shown in the 1881 and 1891 census. He lived in a police house located in Freshfield Road in 1891. His name is Robert Carter.

By Stephen Hunter (28/10/2009)

My Great Grandfather Aaron Prevett was also a Police Constable in Brighton, rising to sergeant by his retirement in the late 1890s. In 1871 he and his family were living at 31 Newhaven Street, Brighton. In 1881 at 7 Middle Lane Police Station, Preston, Brighton and in 1891 living at 18 Middle Road, Preston, Brighton. His truncheon has been passed down to me. Interested to hear from anyone who has any information.

By John Tagg (24/11/2012)

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