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The foundation of the Police Prosecuting section was laid in
1911, when the Inspector-General of the day chose a small group of
men with suitable educational qualifications to form the nucleus of
a prosecuting section to perform the specialised duty of presenting
the case for the Crown to the presiding Stipendiary Magistrates.
Prior to this period all prosecuting duties were performed by the
Inspector or Sergeant in Charge of the Police Station nearest to
where the Court was held. Whilst these officers carried out their
law assignments with credit the system presented difficulties,
primarily because such officers had limited knowledge of Court
procedure and little training in Criminal Law. The appointment of
specialists to Court duties enjoyed immediate success, the
Magistrates of the day commending the Police for their efficient and
able presentation of Court evidence. As the number of Courts
increased new Police were allotted to the role of Police prosecutors
under the guidance and direction of senior personnel.
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Prosecuting
scene at Central Police Court - 1960's
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In the initial years, the section covered only the major Courts in
the inner city areas, but as qualified men became available the
prosecuting duties were carried to distant Courts. The section made
rapid progress from its foundation, and in 1962 had no fewer than 46
qualified Prosecutors in the metropolitan area, and 22 country
Prosecutors stationed at strategic centres throughout the State
where Court sittings were regularly convened.
It was the
responsibility of these Prosecutors to present evidence to the
various Courts, ranging from murder and other capital offences to
misdemeanours and minor traffic matters, and to also assist Coroners
and Licensing Magistrates in the jurisdiction of their office. The
section also gave expert guidance to members of the Police Force in
preparation of evidence for presentation to the various Courts. This
aspect often required qualified research, owing to the complex
nature of Criminal Law.
In 1962 there
were 48 trainee prosecutors, who by virtue of their scholastic
achievements had revealed a keen aptitude for Criminal Law and
Procedure, and because they were in constant attendance at the
Courts, they gained intimate knowledge and insight into the many
complexities of their calling.
Many prosecutors through the years have directed their energies and
talents to competitive debating, a cultural proclivity in which many
have annexed high honours in the field of open debate.
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© Ian Hunter.
Content © New South Wales Police Service. |
