POLICE FORCE - 1938

The New Year of 1938 saw a chapter end – and a new one begin – in the history of Orkney’s forces of law and order.

It marked the end of Orkney’s “private” police force – paid for, through the rates, by the county council – and the inauguration of a new official county force, operating within the terms of the Scottish Police Acts, and funded by by government finances, under the control of the Scottish Office.

The change was probably long overdue – the chief constable of the old independent force was aged 72!

The prospect of a shake-up had first been voiced in 1935 when the HM Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland, Brigadier General R.M. Dudgeon, recommended several changes, including linking up with either the Caithness or Sutherland forces.

At that time, Orkney had a Chief Constable – superintendent John M. Tulloch – and six constables – three at Kirkwall, two at Stromness and on at St Margaret’s Hope.

The inspector recommended that an extra constable be recruited to be based in Stronsay, to cover the North Isles. He also recommended that the Orkney force be provided with a car of 10 horse power or under, and the Kirkwall prison building taken over by the police and the cells utilised for sentences up to 30 days.

But his most far-reaching recommendation would see the end of Orkney’s independent force with either the Chief Constable of Sutherland or Caithness also becoming Chief Constable of Orkney.

As it was, Orkney retained its independence after negotiations broke down between Orkney and Sutherland.

But, in May, 1937, the county council voted 16-12 to create an official Orkney force – within the national Police Act – which, it was said, would provide a better service and save the ratepayers £400 a year.

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