In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Mary Fraser — Vice Chair of the Police History Society and author of “The British Police and Home Food Production in the Great War: Police as Ploughmen, 1917–1918” — joins us to explore a remarkable but little-known chapter in British policing history.
She reveals how police officers were redeployed to support agricultural efforts during WWI, ensuring food security at a critical time of national crisis. Drawing rich parallels with the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Fraser shows how the historical role of police continues to resonate today.
This wide-ranging conversation touches on gender, governance, education, working conditions, and the moral dilemmas faced by officers and their families — with insights drawn from rare editions of Police Review & Parade Gossip, soon to be digitised for the British National Archive
Takeaways
- Dr. Fraser’s interest lies in connecting police history to present-day issues.
- The release of policemen into agriculture during WWI had significant implications.
- The COVID-19 pandemic mirrored historical police support roles.
- Police Review provided insights into the challenges faced by officers.
- Education initiatives were aimed at promoting literacy and numeracy among police.
- The wives of police officers played a crucial role in managing family hardships.
- Police philanthropy helped clothe thousands of children during hardship.
- Understanding police history can inform current policing practices.
Sound bites
- “The police stepped up to support society.”
- “The police review is to be digitized.”
- “Police philanthropy was a big deal.”
Chapters
00:00 Exploring Police History and Its Relevance
08:46 Insights from Police Review and Community Support
09:50 Police Philanthropy: A Historical Perspective
📌 Subscribe for more leadership conversations from inside and beyond policing.
#PolicingHistory #PoliceAndCommunity #LawEnforcement #PoliceResearch #PoliceStories
#WWIHistory #BritishPoliceHistory #HistoricalPolicing #PoliceAsPloughmen
We have launched a YouTube channel where you can also view our videos – just click here and please like and subscribe PTV Youtube
PolicingTV content is being brought to you in partnership with World Policing Advisory
World Policing Advisory is a global consultancy specialising in the future of policing and public safety. We offer global policing expertise, delivered locally through a model focused on consulting with conscience.
Our teams have direct experience of strategic and tactical policing and private sector leadership, blended with the globe’s best subject matter expertise to create high impact value for money services with in-year benefits.
For more information contact our MD, Gary Stuart ([email protected])