PAX Centurion - September / October 2015

Page 34 • PAX CENTURION • September/October 2015 617-989-BPPA (2772) 1769 In consequence of existing difficulties, the watch were ordered “to patrol two together”, “to arrest all Negroes found out after dark without a lantern.” Sheriff Greenleaf was ordered to “cause a new gallows to be erected on the Neck, the old one having gone to decay.” 1785 A code of Town Laws is published. Captain John Ballard, William Bill- ings, Christopher Clarke, and Mr. Webb, appointed Inspectors of Police. 1793 Colonel JosiahWaters, the newly appointed Inspector of Police, gave notice that he “enters upon the duties of his office with much diffidence, and he asks the assistance of the citizens in executing the by-laws.” May 14, 1796 The legislature passed a code of laws relating to Watch andWards of Towns, under which the BostonWatch was soon reorganized. Under the new regulations, the selectmen, or the constable, were to charge the watch, to see that all disorders and disturbances are suppressed, to examine all persons walk- ing abroad after ten o’clock at night, who they have reason to suspect, to enter houses of ill-fame, to suppress disturbances, and to arrest all violators of law or disturbers of the peace. Watchmen are to walk their rounds once an hour, to prevent damage by fire and to preserve order.” Constables, to superintend the watch were to be appointed for each house, and the Selectmen were the appointing and supervis- ing power. Under the new organization, there were fiveWatchhouses: One on Ship near Lewis Street, one at Town Dock, one at Town House, one on Orange, near Eliot Street, and one near where the Revere House now stands, with one Constable and about six watchmen at each house, at a salary of sixty cents per night for the Constable, and fifty cents for the watchman, while on duty. The watch went out at nine o’clock evenings in winter, and ten o’clock in summer, remaining on duty till sunrise, one half going out alter- nately every other night, carrying with them their badges of office, a hook with a bill, and the rattle, an appendage added this year. 1800 Among the town officers were One Inspector of Police, Twelve Con- stables, Four Constables of theWatch, and TwentyWatchmen. The watch- houses have been reduced to four, One on Ship Street, one near Market, one in Orange Street, one near the State House. March 12, 1801 Charles Bulfinch, Esq. chosen Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and soon after Inspector of Police. March 10, 1807 The town was divided by State and Court Streets into two police dis- tricts, each under the supervision of an officer. March 21, 1810 The Town of Boston selected one Inspector of Police, two assistant police officers, seventeen constables, and thirty watchmen. Watchhouses at Ship Street, at the Market, Mount Vernon Street, and the corner of Elliot andWashington Streets. Boston had 33,234 inhabitants. August 31, 1812 The town appointed one hundred special watchmen to patrol the town. “In case of riot, they are to toll the bells, and in case of alarm, all well-dis- posed citizens are requested to place lights in all their front windows, and all military companies, magistrates, and constables will hold themselves in readiness; and all boys or apprentices who do not wish to be considered rioters, will remain in doors.” The permanent watch was also increased to forty-six, consisting of three divisions; the North, Centre, and South, as follows: at the North, fourteen men; Centre eighteen men; South fourteen men, and two constables at each house. A Captain was also appointed, whose office was at the centre house, and who had general supervision. One constable and half the watch being on duty alternately every other night, all night. “Watchmen are not to talk loud, or make any noise, nor suffer any one to enter a watchhouse without a certificate from a Select- man.” Constable’s pay seventy-five cents per night; watchman’s pay, fifty cents per night. 1819 A committee of the Selectmen made several visits to the watchhouse in the night time, and reported as follows: “January 5. Visited several watch- houses, and found them in good condition.” January 12. Another visit. Find too many watchmen doing duty inside.” January 20. One o’clock, night. South watch doing good duty, but the two constables are asleep. At NorthWatch constables awake. At CentreWatch, found an intoxicated man and a abandoned female in the Lockup.” February 3. Another visit made by the Inspector of Police. He said, “At one o’clock, visited SouthWatch; constable asleep. One and one-half o’clock, at CentreWatch found con- stable and doorman asleep. Two o’clock at North Watch found constable and doorman asleep, and a drunken man kicking at the door to get in.” The Inspector recommends “that the doorman be required to wake the constable when necessary.” Constable Reed arrested several persons for keeping a gambling houses. One was fined $150.00 for keep- ing “a new French game called Quino.” May 31, 1819 At Town Meeting, the watch and their friends re- mained at the polls till near the close, till others had left, and then passed a vote to pay watchmen seventy-five cents instead of fifty cents per night. The vote was rescinded next Town Meeting. June 17, 1819 Freeman Backhouse was sent to State Prison for three years, for pick- ing the pocket of Flavel Case, a watchman. March 13, 1820 The North watchhouse, for many years in Ship Street, was removed to Fleet Street, near Moon Street. The Centre watchhouse was in the east basement of the Town House. The South was at the place long occupied onWashington, near Eliot Street. West watchhouse, corner Temple and Hancock streets. Number of Watchmen 55. Constables of theWatch, 8. Captain, 1. May 25, 1820 Watchmen were served with a certificate of appointment. May 23, 1821 A new Captain of theWatch appointed, and a long list of instructions given. “Watchmen are not to walk or talk together on their beats. They are to go to their rounds, and return to their box, and there wait till the time arrives to go around again. They are not to cry the time of night in a vociferous voice.” May 1, 1822 The Town of Boston became the City of Boston at the stroke of mid- night this day. A brief history of the Boston Police Department… From Brief History on page 33