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'One for the Road!’

Drunkenness was an issue both within and outside the Dorset Constabulary in the mid 19th century.

Dorset Constabulary Records - General Orders: 23rd January 1862.

‘The conveyance of prisoners is one of the most important duties connected with the Constabulary.

On 24th December last a prisoner named Jeremiah Fudge was brought into Headquarters by PC Collins under the influence of liquor. The Chief Constable finds upon inquiry that he was given over to PC Marsh at Buckland Newton who took him to the Royal Oak Inn and gave him a pint of ale having been marched from Sturminster. He then brings him onto Piddletrenthide (4 miles) to PC Collins, who directs PC Marsh to go with the prisoner to the Green Dragon Inn where they were served with two pints of strong beer and PC Collins marched him on from there to Dorchester, going into a public house on his way and of course brings him in drunk. Persons in custody are to be allowed ordinary refreshment and nothing more but it appears that the prisoner was regaled at nearly every public house he came to. PC Marsh is a young constable and as he appears to have acted under the orders of PC Collins in taking him to the Inn at Piddletrenthide he is severely reprimanded. PC Collins is dismissed from the Force.’

Around two years earlier, the Chief Constable of Dorset had regretted that no less than twelve constables were reported during the previous month for having been under the influence of liquor and some were drunk on special duty. The Chief Constable was therefore determined to make an example of all officers drunk on special duty.

(Source: Policing Victorian Dorset by Maurice Hann (1989)


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