Metropolitan Police Records Online

[BarnabyP]

Hello richarde1979.

The rank SPS stands for Station Police Sergeant, which is described on Wikipedia. I don't know what the officer's rank in the photo is. I'm sure the four chevrons on the arm would give a clue. As to dating; it might be worth looking to see whether he has a pension at The National Archives in MEPO 21. It seems likely that he would have one. It would give dates for any promotions or demotions that he might have had. Otherwise I would suggest getting in touch with the Metropolitan Police. They have a team over there who look after the historical collection and might be able to tell you more about the photo. They have an email address to deal with queries.

Yours, BarnabyP

[richarde1979]

Thanks for your input and advice Barnaby, much appreciated.

[JanetM43]

Hi i searched for met police records and this came up so hopefully you can help me out.
I recently found out that my uncle a Mr William Bryant commited suicide in march of 1905 after obtaining his death certificate i found he had been a police officer at either brixton or sutton.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Janet.

[BarnabyP]

Hello Janet.

I've had a quick look through the records that I have and found the following:
 - Registers of Leavers
 - Attestation Ledgers
 - Alphabetical Registers of Joiners

There should be an entry in the Police Orders (MEPO 7 at TNA) about his death.

Hope that these references are of some use.

Yours, BarnabyP

[richarde1979]

Just to update Barnabyp, I have found out the 4 chevrons does indicate a Station Police Sergeant. It was scrapped in 1915 for 3 chevrons with  crown on top, so I suspect the photo does show my great uncle Alfred Woodhouse, and must date to before this. Apparantly he was very much involved in the Dr Crippen case in 1910, and kept alot of the original papers, including the original arrests warrents, as 'souvenirs' when he retired. These went to the Scotland Yard Black Museum when his daughter died in 1997, so I may contact them and see if the photo is of any interest, etc.

Thanks again for your help, and the great work you have done for us all getting these records online.

[Temic]

Fantastic link - just found my gt-grandmother's cousin!

[Romilly]

I'm trying to find any info on my husband's GreatGrandfather, Frederick Lavington, born Christian Malford, Wiltshire in 1863.

On the 1891 and 1901 Censuses, he's a Metropolitan Police Constable, living in Fitzallen Street, Lambeth.

On the 1881 Census he's a Baker, still living in Christian Malford, Wilts.

Family rumour has it that at one stage he was based at The House of Lords/or Commons.

I don't know his Police Number...is there any way that I can find anything about his Police Service?

Cheers, Romilly.

[Ceeoh]

Forgive my ignorance but do not understand how I would look for a particular person.

My father-in-law's brother Clarence Frederick Wood (born 1892) was in the London Metropolitan Police, not sure about prior to W.W.1. but certainly afterwards.  How would I look for his record of leaving?

Many thanks

Ceeoh

[Romilly]

Forgive my ignorance but do not understand how I would look for a particular person.
My father-in-law's brother Clarence Frederick Wood (born 1892) was in the London Metropolitan Police, not sure about prior to W.W.1. but certainly afterwards.  How would I look for his record of leaving?
Many thanks
Ceeoh

You are not alone Ceeoh,

I too have no idea!

I've been round the houses on the National Archives Site, & have tried following some of the links on here...but haven't got anywhere:-(

Romilly.