The history of policing in Western Australia began with the founding of the colony in 1829, when Governor Stirling appointed a few part-time constables to maintain public order in Perth and Fremantle. A troop of mounted police was formed in 1834 and other types of police were added as the needs of the colony changed, in particular after the introduction of convicts. The colony's Legislative Council passed a Police Ordinance on 11 May 1849 that outlined police powers and responsibilities. The Ordinance noted that 'distinct general and town police forces' did not yet exist.

That is, something modern West Australians would recognise as an organised Police Force lay in the future. Over the next few years several types of police force came into being, whether based on the larger townships or created for special purposes, such as the Water Police and Convict Police. Colonists soon started to agitate for a united force.

The Police Force - as a united, structured body - was formally established in 1853. The Government Gazette of 8 March 1853 carried this notice from Colonial Secretary W.A.Sanford, signed by him on 5 March 1853: "His Excellency the Governor directs the following appointments to be notified for general information: T.A.Conroy (actually J.A.) to be Superintendent of Police…."

A week later, the Gazette (15 March 1853) published a 'Code of Rules for the Western Australian Police Force' that had been signed off by the Colonial Secretary on 11 March. The Code outlined a formal command structure and listed the basic duties of commissioned and non-commissioned officers and constables.

The new police system came into effect on 14 March 1853 when Conroy formally entered into his duties, taking charge of police districts and making arrangements with magistrates for the use of police. The evidence for this is as follows. The Perth Gazette (local press) published the following comments on 11 March: " We are informed that the new Police System is to come into operation on the 14th instant (ie 14 March) when the newly appointed officers Messrs Conroy and Elderton enter their duties." Mr C.Elderton was the Deputy Superintendent. On 3 March the Colonial Secretary had already sent a letter to all magistrates explaining the new system and saying " Mr Conroy will enter into his duties as Superintendent of Police throughout the colony on 14 March."

Conroy's background was an interesting one. He was of aristocratic Irish descent and had been an army officer in India. Conroy arrived in Western Australia as a senior administrator in the Convict Establishment. There were skeletons in the family cupboard; his uncle Sir John Conroy had a scandalous record as a courtier and palace official in England. The new Chief of Police, soon to be given the more exalted title of Commissioner, was also something of an adventurer and rake. His colonial career came to a premature close because of mismanagement of funds and blatant political interference from local rivals. Any information on the ultimate fate of Conroy and his family would be gratefully received.

Peter Conole
WA Police Historian (Retired 2013)