The Practice of Writing

All levels of police work in the mid-Victorian years demanded a reasonable proficiency in reading and writing, but particularly in writing. Country forces especially were spread thin, and the writing of reports and entries in occurrence books were effective means of supervising constables at outlying stations. ‘This book’, ran the notice pasted into the journals that were issued to all members of the Northamptonshire Constabulary, ‘is to be kept in the form of a daily journal by the Inspector, Sergeant or Constable…in charge of divisions or stations. He will record in a neat and legible manner his proceedings during each day of the 24 hours.’ ¹