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The Northern Territory, sometimes referred to as ‘the last frontier’ has a (permanent) police history dating from 1870 when Inspector Paul Foelsche and six other police officers arrived in the Territory. A small rural constabulary (part time force) had existed earlier but was disbanded.
 That Territory was then under South Australian control and the town of Palmerston now the city of Darwin was founded by William George Goyder – Surveyor General of South Australia.
In December 1869, the Governor commissioned Paul Foelsche, a Corporal in the SA Mounted Police stationed at Strathalbyn, to be the first Sub-Inspector of Police at Palmerston. He sailed for Darwin soon afterwards.
The early police letterbooks recording correspondence between the Commissioner’s office in Adelaide and Inspector Foelsche in Palmerston have, unfortunately, been lost so we do not know the exact history of the early days.
The police uniform then worn in the Territory was the same as that worn in South Australia. It consisted of a short cut-away blue serge tunic with nine regulation buttons, silver twisted cord shoulder knots, black braid on the sleeves and silver chevrons for non-commissioned officers. The riding breeches were dark blue corkscrew serge with a white stripe. Ideal tropical wear!
The first firearms were a Schneider rifle or carbine, calibre .577. These were the first breech loaded rifles used in the British Army, and the original cartridges had a cardboard case. Later Martini-Henry rifles were used, and Webley revolvers were issued.
Like their predecessors, the Rural Constabulary at Escape Cliffs, the first detachment of police at Palmerston had as their first responsibility the maintenance of law and order in the community. Known as ‘The Camp’, the main settlement area was on the harbour waterfront, near what is today Stokes Hill Wharf.
With the discovery of gold near Pine Creek in 1872 the police found themselves with never a dull moment. Stations were established at Adelaide River, Yam Creek, Pine Creek, Roper River and later at Daly River.
The first European to be murdered in the Northern Territory was a surveyor named Bennett. He was speared by Aborigines at Adelaide River and was buried on top of Fort Hill, Darwin, overlooking the harbour. The grave was ultimately moved to the cemetery at McMillans Road, to make way for a bulk-loading terminal.
The first police fatality occurred in 1872 when Mounted Constable Davis, a noted swimmer, disobeyed a local Standing Order and had a dip in the sea. He was taken by a crocodile.
Darwin’s first police station was a crude affair of poles and plaster measuring 20ft by 12ft. The inspector lived nearby in three rooms. A small stone building with two cells was the accommodation for those in custody. These are now incorporated in the Administrator’s offices on the Esplanade.
Then, as now, the police had the invaluable assistance of Aboriginal Trackers.
In Central Australia the police were part of the South Australian Mounted Police. Mounted Constable Shirley was the first mounted trooper in charge at Alice Springs (first called Stuart).
Borroloola, Roper River, Barrow Creek, Charlotte Waters, Arltunga, Lake Nash, Tennant Creek, Harts Range, to name but a few, are Police Stations redolent of history, and the deeds of tough and colourful men – on both sides of the law!
At one time there were two Commissioners of Police in the Northern Territory: one for the Territory of North Australia and one for the Territory of Central Australia.
In 1931, the two Territories became the Northern Territory of Australia and the authority of the Commissioner of Police was vested in the Administrator of the Northern Territory, in Darwin.
On 1 July 1964, Clive William Graham, a police officer of long standing in the Territory, was appointed as Commissioner and the force as a whole was administered as part of the Public Service of the Northern Territory.
In recent years, various cases have made national and international headlines: the end of the Petrov Affair occurred in Darwin; the 1968 month-long bush search for Larry-Boy who murdered his wife and seriously injured a stockman at Elsey Station; and the 1971 attempted hijack of a plane at Alice Springs airport in which a Territory police officer, who was badly wounded, displayed great heroism. Events connected with search and rescue operations at sea, in swamps and the desert have also made the news.
Since 1955 the size of the Northern Territory Police Force has increased significantly in line with the population. In 1955 there were 80 police officers. Today the establishment numbers 1030 sworn Police, Auxiliaries and Aboriginal Community Police Officers.
The Joint Emergency Services Communications Centre in Darwin has instant contact with all stations, vehicles, aircraft and vessels and provides for the Police, Fire, Emergency Services and St John Ambulance Service.
Communications have improved over recent years with all stations now having internet access providing them with the most up-to-date information.
Many members now serve in specialist sections such as Major/Organised Crime, Forensic Services, Territory Response Group, Marine and Fisheries Enforcement Section, Airwing, and the Police, Fire and Emergency Services College.
The Northern Territory Police Force has developed into a modern well-respected force. It is equipped to meet the needs of the community and members are trained to keep ahead of today’s criminals and their methods.
The motto of the Northern Territory Police Force is “To Serve and Protect”.
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