1857 - 2007

Late 1950s

In considering the informative resume of the history of the first 100 years of the Warwickshire Constabulary, compiled by Inspector A.J. Hinksman in 1957 to commemorate the centenary event, we are struck by the changing face of policing, and the adaptability of the workforce to respond to society’s needs. The reality is that policing reflects a rapidly changing world that does, at times, seem difficult to keep up with and embrace.This addendum seeks to bring the records up to date and to assist the force in celebrating 150 years of serving the communities of Warwickshire.

The late 1950’s seem to have reflected a somewhat settled and welcoming consolidation of post-war Britain, policing in Warwickshire having centred upon the grand HQ at Leek Wootton and the motor car fast becoming the logical first response; in an era when the public were only just recovering from rationing and the average family was doing well to stretch to owning a motorcycle and sidecar!

In 1957 the black helmet night plate was gradually phased out and a chrome badge proudly displayed instead. The Warwickshire strength at the time of the Centenary celebrations was 558 officers and civilian involvement was minimal and confined to clerical posts. In 1958 the force purchased a Jaguar 2.4 saloon car to try out; being capable of 110 mph it was nicknamed ‘The bullet’. This exciting and flamboyant image however was not to be, as a government inspection found room in the rear to be ‘too cramped’ and more stately Austin Westminster A95s were ordered instead! Warwickshire embraced its first taste of the unique concept of motorway policing when taking shared responsibility for patrolling the newly opened M1/M45 intersection.