BOLTON Borough Police Force was founded in 1839 and existed until 1969.

It became part of the amalgamated Lancashire Constabulary in one shake-up and the town's policing then transferred to the Greater Manchester force a few years' later.

This picture from August, 1954 shows Mr F. T. Tarry, HM Inspector of Constabulary, inspecting a parade in the Drill Hall in Silverwell Street as part of his annual inspection.

He is accompanied by the Mayor, Ald Flanagan and the Chief Constable, William John Howard (with stick).

A quick look at Duty Bound, the history of the force written by Bob Goslin, a serving officer at the time, reveals that Mr Howard inherited the force in 1930 when it had an authorised establishment of 202 -- considerably under strength due to a Government economy drive.

By the time he retired in 1957 the authorised strength was 255, but in reality there were only 241 officers.

Mr Howard, who died in 1963, was responsible for many changes during his 27 years in charge of the Bolton police.

These included starting the Traffic Department and re-organising beat working though the acquisition of 53 pedal cycles and placing more discretion on individual police officers.