Special Sub-Topic: NSW Police History 1 Click Here To Play: NSW Police History 1

In 1965 a future Commissioner was appointed as probationary constable. Who was it?

Ken Moroney. Ken Moroney was appointed as Commissioner of Police in 2002 and held office until his retirement in 2007.

In 1979 NSW Police rescued six children and one adult after fire broke out at a major Sydney attraction. What was it?

The Ghost Train at Luna Park. Luna Park was shut down after the failure of their fire hoses - they didn't reach far enough to cover the Ghost Train. Due to this and the ride being understaffed, the fire spread rapidly and completely destroyed it. The Coroner's Inquest couldn't establish the cause of the fire, but ruled that Luna Park's managers and operators had failed in their duty of care to the public.

In 1996 an English Police Officer was appointed as the NSW Commissioner of Police. What was his name?

Peter Ryan. Peter James Ryan was Head of National Police Training in Britain prior to being appointed from a pool of international applicants in 1996. He remained as Commissioner until 2002 and brought about many changes consequent to the findings of the Wood Royal Commission.

1972 saw the appointment of the first female Commissioned Officer. Who was she?

Inspector Beth Hanley. After 29 years of service and becoming the first female Commissioned Officer Inspector Hanley was presented the "Most Outstanding Policewoman" award. The same year in which female officers were issued firearms as "standard issue". In 1974 she was also awarded the Queen's Police Medal. REF: http://www.policensw.com/info/history/h7a.html

Father Jim Boland was the first full-paid, full-time Police Chaplain. What year was he appointed to this role?

1986. In 1980 honorary Chaplains were appointed and issued police ID certificates and police uniforms. Father Jim became the very first and most widely recognised of all NSW Police Chaplain.

In 1988 the NSW Police Band performed for royalty and various heads of state. They also record their second LP. What was its title?

Cops Play Pops. The album is still available on some obscure music sites and has tracks including "I Still Call Australia Home", "The Addams Family", "Inspector Gadget" and "There's No Business Like Show Business". Somehow I don't think I will buy myself a copy. REF: http://www.sanity.com.au/product/product.asp?sku=2014823

In 1991 Tony Lauer was appointed NSW Commissioner of Police. In what year did he retire?

1996. Tony Lauer served a total of 41 years with the NSW Police Force, holding a number of appointments, until becoming Commissioner in 1991. He resigned in 1996 just before the Wood Royal Commission into police corruption.

Legislation was enacted which authorised all NSW Police to be issued with firearms to "prevent the escape of felons and place them on an equal footing with armed criminals and malefactors". What year was this?

1894. On the morning of February 2nd, 1894, three crooks were trying to break open the safe in the Union Steamship Company building, when the police disturbed them. A pursuit followed with a number of police being bashed about the head and arms with long iron bars. Police finally arrested and took them into custody after a long and violent struggle. Due to the public outcry, the legislation was brought in for all members - at that time there were no female police, and although the first female officers were appointed in 1915, it wasn't until 1972 that firearms became standard issue for female officers. REF: http://deneb.library.usyd.edu.au:8080/bitstream/2123/847/12/adt-NU20020722.19202506chapter5.pdf

In 1988 the murder of 20-year-old Janine Balding saw the offenders were arrested and charged with Murder, Abduction and Sexual Assault. This trial saw the first use of what process in criminal proceedings in NSW to identify one of the offenders. Which of these was it?

DNA testing. When the main offender was arrested for rape and murder in 1988, DNA evidence hadn't yet been used in any Australian court. Use of DNA evidence has now become the norm, with specialist scenes of crime Officers being appointed. A person can be identified from a single cell left at the crime scene.

The NSW Police Force was established under command of the Inspector General of Police, Captain John McLerie. The Rural Constabulary, Mounted Patrols, Sydney Metropolitan and Water Police were consolidated into one centralised force. What year was this?

1862. At the same time ranks were also created for Superintendent, Inspector, Sub-Inspector, Sergeant, Senior Constable and Constable. A Police Surgeon was also appointed.