The following came to me by email this morning and it’s not only an interesting read but also puts my daily working environment into better perspective. It’s a recruitment ad for Peel’s Police - circa 1839:

PEEL’S POLICE - WANT YOU!
You must be aged between 23-40 years of age

You will be paid the following rates:

CONSTABLE 17s (shillings) per week = 85p
SERGEANT £1.1s per week = £1.05
SUPERINTENDENT £3.10s per week = £3.50
CHIEF CONSTABLE £13.19s per week =£13.50

• Your working hours will be eight, ten or twelve hour shifts, seven days a week.
• Every encouragement will be given to officers to grow beards as shaving is regarded as unhealthy. However, beards must not exceed two inches in length.
• Uniform will be worn all the time, to prevent accusations of spying on the Public, whilst in ordinary clothes.
• A duty band will be worn to indicate whether you are on duty or not.
• You are NOT allowed to vote in elections.
• You must not gossip with the public. In particular, avoid conversations with female servants or other women on duty.
• Do not walk or converse with your comrades, merely exchange a word and pass on.
• You will walk about 20 miles per shift.
• No rest days are allowed and only one week holiday per annum, unpaid.
• No meal breaks are allowed. The top hat may be used to hold a snack.
• You must inform the Superintendent before you associate, eat or drink with any civilians.
• Before attending for medical examination and interview to join the police, it is advisable to have a bath.
• You are NOT allowed to sit down in public houses at any time.

NOTE: You must expect a hostile reception from all sections of the public and be prepared to be assaulted, stoned or stabbed in the course of your duties.

It’s kinda fascinating to read - unless you’re either an American Republican or an Australian Conservative Liberal and then it’s possibly not so fascinating but may serve as a handy think-tank primer for future policing and industrial law polcy making, may God have mercy on all our souls.