Government Records and the Family Historian: Police Gazettes

What could I find?

The South Australian Police Gazette commenced publication in 1862.  Compiled to be distributed amongst the police force only, the South Australian Police Gazettes contain unique information and details unavailable elsewhere. Produced at regular intervals (usually once a week), it was intended to make information available to all in the police force throughout the state. 

The information contained in the Police Gazettes varies somewhat from year to year, but overall you will find details such as:

• changes within the police force e.g promotions, demotions, discharges, resignations, deaths
• house break-ins
• robberies
• arson
• murders
• deserted seamen
• warrants
• prisoners discharged
• missing friends
• lost and found items

Anyone researching their family tree may have a 'lost' family member or two! It is possible that they may be listed in the Police Gazettes, having found themselves on the wrong side of the law or possibly as a victim of a crime.  Or maybe they were in the police force and were transferred to another department or division. As well as names and age, you may discover the physical description of the person you are searching for e.g. height, hair colour, eye  colour, distinguishing features and even the colour of their clothing.

Far from being just a unique and extremely fascinating resource for local, family and social historians, these gazettes are useful for anyone with an interest in South Australia from the 1860s onwards.

RESTRICTIONS TO USE: Please be aware that there is an embargo on access to the South Australian Police Gazettes published in the last 60 years, including the current year. To access information within the restricted time period you will require written permission from Freedom of Information Office, SA Police Dept. Online FOI forms.  

Further information is available at http://www.police.sa.gov.au/sapol/services/information_requests/freedom_of_information_foi.jsp