Police History

Head Constable William Henry Paul 1878-1888

Lieutenant-Colonel William Henry Paul, who hailed from Truro, Cornwall, continued Monro’s disciplined approach. He presided over a time of great development in Douglas but dispensed with the rural constables at Kirk Michael, Crosby, St John’s, Ballasalla, Maughold, Bride and Tromode. Permanent sergeants were posted instead to St John's and Ballaugh.

Other promotions shortly after Colonel Paul took charge, included Chief Constable William Fayle posted from Castletown to Douglas and given the rank of Sub-Inspector under Inspector Boyde. Constable William Cain (Senior), who had been 'book clerk' for a number of years in Douglas, was promoted to Chief Constable and posted to Castletown for duty. Another appointment was Sergeant John Cringle who became Chief Constable of Peel in place of Chief Constable Matthias Callister who died just before Captain monro left the Force.

All ranks were issued with an Instruction Book in 1879, which continued, with a supplement in 1905, until Standing Orders were introduced in 1981. The year was also notable for seeing land at Port St Mary purchased for a Police Station and lock-up facility.

In 1884, Colonel Paul was successful in getting his title changed to Chief Constable with Inspector Boyde in Douglas becoming Superintendent and all Chief Constables of the towns becoming Inspectors of Divisions.

The Force had increased in strength to 53 men by 1888 which was almost what it had been in 1873 when the Lieutenant Governor reduced it to meet the cost of the pay rise. By 1888, however, there were only five rural constables compared with 17 in 1873.

Colonel Paul resigned his post in 1888 because of his wife’s ill health.

Information up to the 1980s reproduced from the book Isle of Man Constabulary by George Turnbull, by kind permission of the publishers, Mansk-Svenska Publishing Company Limited, of Peel, Isle of Man.

The Department of Home Affairs also gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Manx National Heritage. Old photos reproduced by kind permission of Manx National Heritage. Head Constable photo courtesy of Isle of Man Constabulary.