Gibraltar during the 18th Century was a
Military Garrison where the British Governor ruled supreme with no elected civilian
government. The inhabitants of the "Town and Garrison of Gibraltar" were
permitted to run their affairs in their own way and public order was maintained by the
Military Authorities, who maintained sentries and night patrols under the command of the
Town Major.
In 1740, English Law was introduced in Gibraltar and in 1753 the first Justices of the
Peace were appointed. Prior to this date, punishment of offenders was dealt with by the
Governor, and this usually meant explusion from the Garrison.
 During this period the Military Authorities were experiencing great
difficulties with Army deserters going into the Kingdom of Spain and thus a group of
inhabitants were recruited to act as Fronteir Guards. This group became known as the
Genoese Guard and in time came to serve as a rudimentary Police Force when they were
called upon to support the Military Authorities when dealing with civilians. Sergeants
were appointed within the Genoese Guard and their titles "Jews Sergeant" and
"Spanish Sergeant" reflected their role within the sectors of the community. The
Genoese Guard were subsequently disbanded sometime after the Seven Year War, but the
"Spanish" and "Jews" Sergeant continued to function.
In 1811, the distinction between "Spanish" and "Jews" Sergeant was
dispensed with. The resultant increase in population led to eight Town Sergeants being
appointed. This in itself was not sufficient to deal with the inhabitants and additional
members were recruited.
The "TURNKEY", usually a merchant, was responsible for ensuring that the
Garrison was secure, and eventually assumed the supervision of the Civil Prison.
The "INSPECTOR OF STRANGERS" was responsible for regulating all visitors to the
Garrison during the Napoleonic Wars, and
The "INSPECTOR OF MARKETS" was responsible for the supervision of supplies.
In 1830 the "Town and Garrison of Gibraltar" was changed to "Colony of
Gibraltar" and it's administration passed from the War Office to the relatively new
Colonial Office. On the 21st June 1830, a Proclamation was issued which in effect removed
the policing of the Town from the Town Major and the military authorities and was now the
domain of a civilian. This proclamation, appointed Major James ROWAN to the office of
Civil Police Magistrate for the Town and Territory of Gibraltar and Mr Henry MORGAN was
appointed Director of the Police and Supervisor of Market.
Thus on the 25th June 1830, the Gibraltar Police became operational, making it the oldest
Police force in the Commonwealth, and second oldest British Police force in the world. The
Metropolitan Police had been formed some nine months earlier by Sir Robert PEEL, and the
Gibraltar Police was modelled along the same lines. Metropolitan Officers were seconded to
Gibraltar to assist in it's formation.
The first Chief of Police Henry MORGAN, remained in the post from 1830 until 1859 and
under his leadership the Gibraltar Police achieved a very high standard.
Patrols were maintained jointly with the military authorities and all civilians detained
would pass to the Police Magistrate to be dealt with. In 1871, the Gibraltar Police
assumed a more dominant role over the military patrols who were now required to leave
their weapons in the Guard Room when undertaking such patrols.
Throughout the years the Gibraltar Police continued in their endeavours to police the
territory and gradually their numbers increased.
 In 1930, the Gibraltar Police celebrated it's
Centenary with the whole force under the command of Chief of Police GULLOCH parading at
Casemates Square on the 1st August that year. A banquet was held that same evening where
all the force was in attendance, and the duty to police Gibraltar was left in the hands of
the Rover Scouts who were sworn in as Special Constables for the particular evening.
In 1937 William GULLOCH retired as Chief of Police
and was succeeded by Dudley S GOWING, who was the first to bear the title of Commissioner
of Police.
Over the years it has become necessary to establish specialist departments in order to
fight crime and keep pace with all other aspects of police work in the most efficient
manner possible. The Gibraltar Police have over its history, tackled many a difficult
situation and have always been seen to uphold the essence of British Justice.
On the 12th June 1992, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II graciously conferred the prefix
"ROYAL" to the Gibraltar Police.
If you have comments or suggestions, email us at
roygibpolice@gibbell.gi
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