Police Misconduct has been a problem since the very beginning
of policing. One particular type – that of
making false claims – has persisted for generations. Most supervisory officers will have had cause
to look carefully at timesheets and to doubt the honesty of some claims of
sickness. To lend proper support to
officers without giving licence to the dishonest and the idle is one of the
challenges of police management.
In 1903 Pc William PARK of the Lancs and Yorks Railway
police (based at Liverpool Exchange) claimed that he had injured himself when
inspecting premises on his beat. He
sustained a serious injury and cuts to his hand. He was able to claim on the insurance fund
and received half pay. Over a period of
several months he received a total of £7.
Unfortunately for him the company discovered (by what means we do not
know) that he was lying about the cause of his injuries. Evidence was obtained that he had in fact
been performing a trick with two beer bottles in a local pub when one broke
causing the wounds that were the basis of his claim.
He was charged with Obtaining Money by False Pretences and
appeared before the Stipendiary Magistrate.
He pleaded guilty and drew attention to his good character and military
service. He asked for leniency on the
basis that he had to support his wife and child and that his hand would be ‘crippled
for life’. The court sentenced him to 2
months in prison.
PARK had found himself in a difficult position. If he had been honest he would not have been
entitled to any sick pay or compensation and he was unable to work. By lying he lost his freedom, character and
employment.
Philip Trendall
October 2023
Notes
Liverpool Evening Express 23 March 1903 p5
Supplement to the Manchester Courier 28 March 1903 p3
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