| Chapter : | Introduction |
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While most early reviews appearing in the local press testified to the popularity and quality of the band and, by association, to the force itself, its members also drew unfavourable public comment. These comments were not only directly critical of the band but also sullied the reputation of the larger police force. One such case was the result of a strategy implemented by band members in response to the shortage of players in the band. This shortage was caused by the retirements from the force of the band’s original players from 1916 onwards. The retiring members were irreplaceable since no one of any significant talent was available from within the ranks of the Foot Police to fill their vacated positions. Several strategies were pursued, including providing musical training for enthusiastic police officers with no previous musical experience at a purpose-established band school located at the city watch house, but a more immediately effective remedy was required while those people were being trained. Filling the vacancies with suitably qualified civilian players worked as a successful band aid solution until an incident that occurred in 1918. Two anonymous letter writers to The Daily Herald newspaper complained that the band unit was employing citizens and passing them off ‘as policemen without being authorized members of the force’. This raised questions about the authenticity and legality of the entire police force, which was roundly criticized in the local press. The Daily Herald quoted lengthy sections of the Police Act that officers were legally required to follow with an accompanying criticism based on the apparent noncompliance of police officers themselves to the section of the Act that stated that
The incident was considered serious enough to warrant an internal investigation, and the practice of outfitting nonpolice players in police uniforms ceased as a result.