| Administrative History | The Aberdeen City Police force was formed in 1818 by the Aberdeen Police Act and abolished in 1975. It was succeeded by the regional Grampian Police force (see POL/GP).
Prior to the formation of the force in 1818 day time law enforcement had been provided by the Burgh's Town Sergeants, who answered to the burgh's magistrates and Town Council. The Aberdeen Police Act of 1795 had established a Police Commissioner for the burgh (see CA/9) but did not provide for any police force to enforce the law. A Night Watch, funded by the public subscription, was set up at the end of 1816 and supervised by the Police Commissioners. The Day and Night Patrols were eventually merged into one unit in 1840.
The force's headquarters were located at: 9 Huxter Row, 1820 - 1867; the Old Record Office, Castle Street, 1867 - 1870; Concert Court, 1870 - 1895; Lodge Walk, 1895 - 1972; Queen Street, 1972 - 1975. A plan of the Lodge Walk HQ is available in the building warrant collection (BW/55)/
For a history of the force see "The Diced Cap: The Story of Aberdeen City Police", available in both searchrooms. |