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THE QUEENSLAND WATER POLICE

"A Proud Service Since 1859"

INTRODUCTION

The need for some permanent type of 'police' presence for Queensland came with the transportation of convicts to Brisbane. At that time there were two distinct Police Organisations in existence, the New South Wales Police and the Water Police. Both were controlled from Sydney and were involved in enforcing laws brought from England, and those that were being enacted by the Parliament of New South Wales.

The first convicts arrived in Brisbane in 1824 and between then and 1842 the enforcement of law and order in the districts within reach of Brisbane was under the control of the Military commandants stationed in Brisbane. 

POLICE FORCE

Captain J.C.Wickham, Royal Navy, was appointed Police Magistrate for Moreton Bay in 1842. He was paid the princely sum of £300 per annum and had under his control a chief constable and five constables of the New South Wales Force.

Water Police are said to have been established in Brisbane in 1859 with a Mr W.A.Duncan in charge.

Water Police on the Brisbane River circa 1906

December 1859 saw the separation of Queensland from New South Wales, however, there was no attempt to treat the police force of the newly proclaimed State of Queensland as a separate organisation from that of New South Wales until 'The Police Act of 1863' came into force. It was only under the provision of this Act that the term 'Police Force' included the Water Police Force.

OPERATION AND DUTIES

Shortly afterwards the Collector of Customs and Water Police Magistrate, the Hon. William Thornton M.L.C., had charge of the Water Police and this continued for about 10 years.

During this time a Select Committee was appointed to inquire about the management and working of the police force at which William Thornton, whilst giving evidence, outlined the operation and duties of the water police.

He told the Committee, "The Water Police consists of an Inspector, a coxswain, a carpenter, and five constables one of whom acts as cook. There are no other water police in any part of the colony.

The water police are stationed on board the hulk at the mouth of the river, and the expense of keeping up of the hulk includes the keeping up of the water police.

There is a Sub-Inspector at £200 per year, coxswain at £120 per year, a carpenter at £120 per year, and five boatman at £95 each. The carpenter coxswain and five boatmen receive £15 a year in lieu of rations, night allowances and good conduct money and they all receive two suites of uniform.

The other expense is for what paints are required to paint the vessel once a year. Twenty pounds a year should pay for keeping the hulk in serviceable condition".

NO SPARE TIME

"Including water police duties, the force has charge of the dredging plant lying at the mouth of the river off Fisherman's Island. It takes up much of their time, There are 27 vessels consisting of two dredges, the "FITZROY" and the "LYTTON", one steam tug the "BRISBANE" and 23 punts. The decks of the dredges and tug have to be washed down every day and the machinery on board the dredged has to be turned once a week. There are also repairs constantly required. It fills up their time between their other duties."

When asked what other duties the water police were required to carry out Thornton replied, "... keeping order amongst the shipping in the bay, they act as Customs House Officers and search vessels going up and down the river, the Sub-Inspector is a health officer and boards vessels in his capacity as such, and assists the Tide Surveyor in his duty by lending him men in bad weather to go to vessels in the bay as the Tide Surveyor's crew has been reduced to two"¹.

WATER POLICE HULKS

"JULIA PERCY" and "MARGARET ELIZA"

Although the hulk "PROSERPINE" was used as the water police station as outlined by Hon. William Thornton M.L.C., to the select committee, it was also used to house prisoners due to overcrowding in Brisbane gaol and was the second vessel to be used for this purpose. The first hulk used for this purpose was the "JULIA PERCY", a brig purchased from Hayes Brown and Company for £200, although it is reported that overhaul and fitting raised the amount to £871 (January 1863).

Even though the amount of £871 was expended in the refit of the "JULIA PERCY" only four months later Captains Kerr of the "FLYING CLOUD" and Headley of the "WARREN HASTINGS" in company of a ship's carpenter inspected and condemned her.

The "JULIA PERCY" remained at anchor off Fisherman's Island and continued to house the water police and prisoners until she could be replaced.

She was reported sold to an Andrew Muir in late 1863 who patched and re-rigged her as a brigantine. He paid the Government 21 pounds 10 shillings, but the sale of 'spares' raised the Government receipts to £313.

The Government called for tenders for a new vessel to replace the "JULIA PERCY" and subsequently negotiated for the purchase (on approval) of the "MARGARET ELIZA" a towns barque of 505 tons, built in the USA, then at sea under a Captain Smith, at a price of £3000.

The "MARGARET ELIZA" arrived in Brisbane in January 1864 and the purchase subsequently went ahead. She was refitted and towed to Fisherman Island and renamed "PROSERPINE".

The "PROSERPINE"

The "PROSERPINE" remained as a prison hulk and in 1871 became a ‘Reformatory School for Boys’ under the Industrial and Reformatory Schools Act 1865.

Boys under the age of 18 years were sentenced to a term of confinement at the reformatory by the Children’s Court at Brisbane, for the purpose of segregating neglected and convicted juveniles from the poor influence of adult prisoners, so as to better promote their reformation and rehabilitation.

At the time the "PROSERPINE" was under the supervision of a Superintendent (the first of which was appointed on 15 March 1871) and a Visiting Justice. The former was responsible for admissions, discharges, internal discipline and the general administration of the reformatory. The Visiting Justice, who visited at least once a week was responsible for ensuring institutional regulations were adhered to; inspections of the boys to ensure they were properly cared for; the investigation of complaints; and magisterial inquiries into the deaths of inmates. 

Both the Visiting Justice and the Superintendent reported directly to the Colonial Secretary.

A medical officer and school teacher also visited the reformatory to look after the health and education of the inmates. Teachers were appointed by the Board of General Education until 1875 and then by the Department of Public Instruction.

As part of their education and rehabilitation, the boys were put out to service in various trades, such as farm work. Whilst the reformatory was located on board the ‘Proserpine’, however, such employment was confined to domestic and general maintenance chores. It appears that some boys were transferred to orphanages before the expiration of their sentences. Parents of neglected and convicted inmates were required to contribute financially to the maintenance of their sons whilst in the reformatory.²

The use of the "PROSERPINE" as a reformatory was advised in the Gazette of 7 February 1872 as follows: -

General Order No. 526 (Gazette 7 February 1872)

'Officers of the Force, more especially those in large towns, are hereby informed that the hulk "Proserpine", having been proclaimed a reformatory is now ready to receive boys of the criminal class'.

The first report of the Superintendent was written in 1879 and appears in the Queensland Votes and Proceedings, Parliamentary Papers for that  year. The first appointed Superintendent was James William Wassell (pictured below- middle back row) and his wife Rebecca was appointed as the Matron, both being appointed on 15 March 1871.

Water Police Staff circa 1900

 James Wassell is listed in the 1871 Blue Book as a Sub-Inspector, Water Police with a salary of 200 pounds per annum with quarters on board the ‘Proserpine’.

SMALL POX SCARE

The eventual end of the "PROSERPINE" is not yet known, but after the opening of the penal establishment at St. Helena Island, Moreton Bay, in May 1867, which further assisted in reducing the over crowding of Brisbane Prison, it is recorded that she was anchored in the Milton Reach of the river for possible use as a quarantine vessel during the small pox scare of the late 1800's.

Although the official reason for changing the name of the "MARGARET ELIZA" to "PROSERPINE" is not clear, there may have been some grim humour involved. Proserpine, a goddess in Greek mythology was the wife of Hades, King of the Underworld, and is said to have kept a boarding house in hell.

MOTORISED LAUNCH

The water police after leaving "PROSERPINE" were stationed at Lytton and patrolled the Brisbane River and Moreton Bay in river boats under oars.

1882 saw the launch of a small timber steamer the "S.S. VIGILANT" .  The "S.S.VIGILANT", under the command of Acting Sub-Inspector Alexander Douglas-Douglas with a small white crew and six native mounted police, patrolled the northern rivers of the State between Cardwell and Schnapper Island (Cooktown) that were inaccessible by horseback. The "S.S. VIGILANT" remained in service till the mid 1890's when she was transferred to the Marine Department.

Since that time the name "VIGILANT" has had a long association with the Water Police both in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast with a number of small runabouts carrying the name.

By the time of the appointment of Major William Geoffrey Cahill, C.M.G., V.D., (1905 - 1916) as the 3rd Queensland Police Commissioner in 1905, 42 years after proclamation of 'The Police Act 1863', little appeared to have changed as far as the water police were concerned. The strength of the Police Force was reported as 835 of which only eight were water police. These numbers slowly increased to 11 on the 30th June, 1916, and 13 out of a total Force of 1,107 by the 30th June, 1921

Although the first Queensland Commissioner of Police, Mr D.T.Seymour, in 1893 recommended that "A smart steam launch, which if properly fitted out would, apart from its utility as a patrol boat, be useful in case of fire on board ships or in premises adjoining wharves", should be made available (in Brisbane), this was not forthcoming until the 21-foot motorised timber police launch, the "PATROL" was put into service in 1907.

Motorised Police Launch "PATROL" circa 1907

The "PATROL", a 21-foot timber vessel launched in Brisbane January 1907, was later transferred to Rockhampton in 1917 where she  remained until 1921 when she returned to Brisbane and was sold.

"PATROL II" Brisbane River late 1940's

The "PATROL" was subsequently replaced by the "ALERT" (formerly HYGEIA), a 30-foot timber launch powered by a 12-horse power engine, obtained from the Quarantine Department.  The "HYGEIA" was built in 1907 for the Department of Public Health and handed over to the Police Department in 1910 when she was renamed.

The "ALERT" being more powerful than the "PATROL" rendered valuable service in rescue work following a cyclone that caused heavy damage at Mackay in 1918. She was then replaced by "PATROL II" (called "PATROL") a 22-foot timber vessel powered by a Palmer engine and launched in November 1935. She remained in service until 1963 when she was given to the Department of Harbours and Marine and replaced by the "D. T. SEYMOUR".

"Patrol II" Brisbane River

INCREASED NEEDS

Since that time a number of vessels have been brought into service as the need to police the waterways of Queensland increased.

June 1914 saw the launch of "VEDETTE" a 30-foot timber vessel, built by the Government boat builder for the Water Police Brisbane, that remained in service until 1938. The "VEDETTE" was replaced by "VEDETTE II" (called "VEDETTE") a 36-foot timber vessel launched December 1938 that remained in service until she was destroyed by fire in 1951. 

Records indicated that the "VEDETTE II", pictured below and launched in 1954, replaced the second "VEDETTE" launched 1938 that was destroyed by fire.  It would appear that as the second "VEDETTE" was known as "VEDETTE", and not "VEDETTE II", this 49-foot timber launch powered by twin diesel engines was named sequentially "VEDETTE II" instead of "VEDETTE III". The error was never corrected with the obvious consequences involving the launch of "VEDETTE III" (1969) and  "VEDETTE IV" (1982).

The "D.T.SEYMOUR", named after David Thomas Seymour (pictured above left) the first Commissioner of the Queensland Police Force (1864 to 1895), was launched 24th August 1962 and saw distinguished duty in company with "VEDETTE II" in the 1950's and 1960's. She was sold in 1974 and replaced by the "MEREKI".

"VEDETTE II" (left) and "D.T. SEYMOUR"
Water Police Brisbane River circa 1964

Click for more photos "D.T.SEYMOUR"

"VEDETTE" Brisbane River circa 1938-45

"VEDETTE II" with Story Bridge and Brisbane Water Police Station
(under the northern (right) end of the Story Bridge) in background.

"VEDETTE III was launched 11th November 1969 and saw her initial service in Brisbane before being transferred to Yeppoon following a refit in 1984.

"VEDETTE III" on the Brisbane River

Small outboard powered runabouts, such as the 14-foot fibreglass  "VIGILANT" (pictured below) powered by a 50 horse-power outboard engine became more widely used from about the mid 1960's.  Built 1961 for the Department of Harbours and Marine the "VIGILANT" was loaned to the Police Department in 1961. She remained on loan until 1968 when ownership was officially transferred to the Police Department.  She was sold in 1970 and replaced by "VIGILANT II".

"VIGILANT" and members of Brisbane Water Police Kangaroo Point reach of Brisbane River circa 1965  

"VIGILANT IV" 

The "Vigilant IV" , a 16½ foot fibreglass Cruise Craft runabout powered by 70hp Johnson outboard motor, was launched 1976 and was attached to the Southport Water Police to patrol the waterways of the Gold Coast.

"Vigilant IV" is pictured above at the rear of the Southport Police Station 1976.

Vigilant IV was transferred to Cleveland in 1979 and replaced by the first   "C.W.Brown", a 23-foot Harris built Shark Cat, the first of a line of vessels to carry that name.

"C.J.CARROLL" 1966-1974

"C.J. CARROLL" a Bertram hydro-lift V19 fibreglass runabout powered by a 150 hp mercruiser inboard saw service with the Brisbane Water Police 1966 to 1974. C.J. Carroll, M.V.O., M.C. was the 7th Commissioner of Police (1934 - 1949).

"RITA" 1970 -1978

The "RITA" was launched in 1970 and was attached to Thursday Island where she saw service in the waters of the Torres Strait. In 1973 she was transferred to Cairns until she was decommissioned in 1978 .

The  "NIMROD" a 5 metre aluminium vessel powered by twin 35 horse-power outboard motors was launched 1974 and saw service in the Torres Strait attached to Thursday Island Police until 1980.

"W. CONROY I" pictured in Loders Creek, Southport after she was renamed as the "C. W. Brown" circa 1986.
Crew (left) Senior Constable Mark Landells (right) Sergeant 1/c Neville Cooper.

The "NIMROD" was replaced by the "W. CONROY I" launched October 1981 and later exchanged with the "C.W. BROWN I" attached to the then Southport Water Police (later to be the Gold Coast Water Police).

"N.W.BAUER" 

Named after Norwin William Bauer, (picture inset) 12th Queensland Police Commissioner (1969-1970), the "N. W. BAUER"  pictured on the day of her launching in December 1976 saw lengthy service in the Townsville area.

"MEREKI" Brisbane River

The "MEREKI", a 34 foot fibreglass flybridge motor cruiser launched 20th September 1974, saw service with the Brisbane Water Police 1974 to 1977.

"VEDETTE IV" undergoing sea trials 1982.  

"VEDETTE IV" 48-foot Cheoy Lee 'Sports Fisherman' flybridge cruiser launched in 1982 (decommissioned 1989), saw duty along the entire length of the Queensland coast.

Bigger Was Not Always Better

As the larger vessels became more common water policing still required many smaller vessels to get the job done. Searching rivers and waterways often required the use of small dinghies as shown below.

"Dragging" the Brisbane River circa 1960

Constable Michael Fletcher (left) & Senior Constable Karl Jensen
Gold Coast Water Police circa 1995

MARINE AMBULANCE PROGRAM

On the 27th February 1998 the Minister for Emergency Services, Sport and Recreation, The Honourable Michael Vievers MLA, in the presence of the Minister for Police, the Honourable Russel Cooper MLA, Commissioner O'Sullivan (1992 -2000), Regional Assistant Commissioner Early and other invited guest officially launched the Queensland Ambulance Service, Marine Officer Program at the Gold Coast Water Police.

This program had been under on-going development since 1992 when the first Queensland Ambulance Officers were training in seamanship for the purposes of accompanying water police to search & rescue and medical missions. The water police officers were trained to Ambulance Officer 'Level 2' standard to provide assistance to the Paramedics working as a single officer onboard the police launch.

Since that time considerable rationalisation of the program had occurred which culminated in the fit out of the police launch "D.W.Wrembeck III" to the standard of a 'Class 1' Ambulance and the appointment of two full time, and a number of part time, Ambulance Paramedics as crew onboard the Gold Coast Water Police vessels.

The ambulance fit out of the "D.W.Wrembeck III" included a full size ambulance bay, patient bed, a full range of medical equipment and both fixed and portable oxygen.

The program, a first in Water Policing anywhere in Australia, enabled a high level of pre-hospital patient care to be administered to people suffering from illness or injuries sustained while on the water and out of the reach of normal Ambulance responses.³

"D.W. WREMBECK III"

QUEENSLAND POLICE FORCE RENAMED

During 1990, while under the command of Commissioner Newnham (1989 - 1992), the Queensland Police Force was officially renamed the Queensland Police Service and the old motto of 'Firmness with Courtesy' was changed to 'With Honour We Serve'.

A CHANGE OF NAME - A CHANGE OF UNIFORM

Prior to 1990 the Water Police uniform had remained much the same as it had since the 1800's consisting of dark blue trousers, white shirt and double breasted tunic with gold shoulder patches and gold admiralty pattern buttons. It included a very distinctive white cap and gold cap badge.

The uniform clearly demonstrated the common roots the water police had with the military, and the navy in particular, dating from the early 1800's .

Following the renaming of the Queensland Police the water police uniform was changed and is now the same as that worn by general duty officers.

INCREASED POPULATION

With the increase of the population through out Queensland, and especially along the eastern seaboard, water police stations are now established at Thursday Island, Cairns, Townsville, Whitsunday, Yeppoon, Hervey Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

The 10-metre vessel "D.W.Wrembeck" (pictured above), previously attached to the Gold Coast water police will be transferred to Gladstone following an $89,000 refit including new motors.

NAMED IN HONOUR

It is now the policy of the Queensland Police Service to name new police launches in honour of officers who have given their lives in the Service of the people of the State.

Click on the following link for further details of Queensland Police Vessels and the officers in whose honour they are named.