Guardians of the Law

Statistics show that Nelson and its environs have one of the lowest crime rates in New Zealand, Much of the credit for this belongs to the citizens, and in no lesser extent, to the Police. To them falls the lot of administering the laws made in Wellington, no matter how unpalatable they may be to many citizens, and administer them they do, without fear or favour. Consider for a moment what life would be like without an efficient police force. How many Nelson businessmen would sleep easy knowing that the man in blue was not quietly and unobtrusively patrolling the lonely and darkened streets? How many women would walk in the city streets after dark knowing there was no tall, blue-clad protectors on duty? The force is not only a necessary bulwark against would-be law-breakers, but a very welcome one.

On the next five pages we have attempted to portray in part the multitude of jobs the police are called on to do. Any policeman, however, will tell you that we have only touched llghtly on the the many facets of police work.

Hub of Nelson's fight for law and order is the new police station, printed on this page.

Just a flicker of Movement down a dark and secluded alley behind some big business houses. Is it a burglar, or a courting couple? For the constable there's only one way to find out

Some of the boys with their bomb find Constable John Madasen a sympathetic listener

Police photographer Constable Len Harris photographs an exhibit

Constable Brian McWilliams checks every door on his beat

Only representative of Women's Division in Nelson is Gwen Taylor

Shortterm prisoners are kept at the new modern and spacious gaol attached to the police station. Prisoners are the especial care of Constable Jack I Fahey.

Legal firearms must be registered and illegal arms, like this Luger held by Constable Norrie Winstanley, must be surrendered.

The Criminal Investigation Branch deals with the detection of criminals and law-breakers, Detective Gordon Gillies uses one aid in his work.

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Where's the first place you go when you've been the victim of mischief? That's right, the police station. And it was here that this complainant had the particulars taken down by the watch-house keeper, Constable Ray Brown.

The man at the top, Chief Inspector F. Le Port, Officer in Charge of the Nelson-Marlborough Police District.

Before commencing duty the constables (Maurie Gibbons, Win-Stanley and Madsen) parade to hear the instructions of Sergeant Ray Mitchell.

Proud of his new station and the work of his men is Senior-Sergeant Bruce McCallum, officer in charge of the Nelson central and suburban stations.

Periodic visits are made by the sergeant on duty to constables on the beat.

Much of the administrative work is done by the district office, where we found Constables Bob Hughes and Kevin Satherley.

A crime has been committed and the suspect caught. After intensive inquiries he arrives at the Magistrate's Court where sworn evidence is given against him. Police prosecutor (left) is Sergeant Bill Stock.

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The Nelson Photo News

No 19 : May 26, 1962

Guardians of the Law