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Tracing Police Family Members

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How to locate someone who was a Police Officer
I receive many emails from people requesting information regarding family who have served in the New South Wales Police. They are seeking information such as Service Records, Station Postings that he/she may have been at, Ranks they reached and other such questions. This information is not available at the ‘flick of a wrist’, it takes quite some time to track back through records and archives to find the correct information, and in most cases, the Department that this information comes from charges a ‘search fee’ for doing so. The first thing is to write down all the information that you already have regarding the person of whom you are looking for. His/her full name, date of birth, last known address, and if possible the Police Stations he/she may have been at, and the Rank they held.

Next step is to contact the New South Wales Department of State Records either by mail at
PO Box 516 KINGSWOOD , or by phone on (02) 9673 1788 or Facsimile (02) 9833 4518. You can also email them on srecords@records.nsw.gov.au

There are two reading Rooms. The Sydney reading room is located in the historic Rocks area at: 2 Globe Street SYDNEY, Globe Street runs off George Street and is close to the Nurses’ Walk.

The Western Sydney reading room is located at: 143 O’Connell Street KINGSWOOD. There is ample parking and a well equipped readers lounge. To travel to the Western Sydney Records Centre by public transport, we recommend taking a train to Penrith, Kingswood or St. Marys stations then catching a Westbus Route 790. At peak times throughout the day, these buses leave Penrith railway station every 15 minutes.

The Reading Room Hours are Monday – Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm. Saturday 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. and on Sundays & Public Holidays they are CLOSED.

There is no charge for:

  • entry to the reading room
  • inspection of original & copied records
  • applications for readers’ tickets
  • the use of finding aids, PCs, databases
  • assistance by staff, and
  • Archives in Brief.

They also supply certified copies of records at no additional charge to that of copying.

Schedule of Charges for copying of records:

    • Black & white photocopies (A4 & A3) 45 cents per page
    • Print from microform (A4) $1.00 per page
  • Print from microform (A3) $2.00 per page
  • Special format photocopy $2.00 per page
  • Duplication of microfilm $37.00

Payment may be made by cash, cheque or credit card. We accept Bankcard, MasterCard & Visa. A $10.00 minimum applies to each credit card transaction. A receipt will be issued for all purchases.

All prices include GST.

Copying Service:

    • self service copying is available in the reading rooms for microforms
  • they may not permit records to be copied if this is likely to result in their damage
  • a poor quality original will produce a poor quality copy
  • there is no differentiation in fees charged on the basis of the type of researcher for example, professional historians or private individuals
  • there is no discount for large amounts of copying
  • copies will be supplied by mail, providing you can give us citation details that identify the individual record/s you would like copied, and
  • there are no facilities for researchers to do their own photocopying.

Records contain the names of policemen working in both Sydney and country areas. In some instances numbers rather than names of constables are given.

The records that concern police will give you the following information:

    • It is important to note that records of the NSW Police Service do not generally provide the details of a particular police station where a policeman was working. Records will provide with the name of the district in which they were working.
    • Registers provide the following: register number, name, rank, salary details and remarks (this column usually notes promotions, dismissals or resignations).
  • The series is arranged alphabetically by surname and provides: service number, name, mounted or foot, date of birth, physical description, native place, marital status, calling, district, date of appointment and date and cause of leaving the force.
  • The registers also provide details such as: date of appointment, age, physical description, marital status, native country, religion, education, previous occupation and where stationed. They also include demotions, discharges, deaths, and superannuation.
  • Some registers relate specifically to those officers who left the Police Department between the years 1966–80 (some joining the Force as early as 1927). Details provided include: appointment and promotions, personal descriptions, previous calling, examinations, medical history, uniforms and equipment issued, duties, misconducts and commendations, and special abilities and qualifications. They relate not only to police officers but also to Junior Trainees, Cadets, Special Constables, Trackers, Matron, and Parking Police.

Before you can access original State archives you must have a reader’s ticket. Reader’s tickets are issued at both reading rooms. A reader’s ticket is valid indefinitely and may be used to access records at both reading rooms and at their regional repositories.

Anyone over the age of 15 years may apply for a ticket. Applicants under 18 years must have the application countersigned by a parent or legal guardian.

Before being issued with a reader’s ticket you are required to have read and agreed to the reading room rules and procedures and when using State records they also ask that you respect the privacy of, and not cause distress, to living persons.

When applying for reader’s tickets you must show documentation that confirms your:

    • name
  • signature, and
  • address.

An application for a readers ticket requires the collection of personal information. State Records collects this information to: help ensure the protection of State archives; track the issue of records to the reading room; help them understand the uses of State archives and to assist in planning and allocating resources. Personal information may also be used to notify researchers of any change to our services. State Records guarantees the information contained on the application form will only be used for the purposes listed above. Details of the documentation shown to confirm an individual’s personal information are not recorded or kept.

You can also make some inquires at the State Library NSW at Macquarie St Sydney
NSW, Australia 2000 or phone 02 9273 1414. There you can look at the news papers of the year in question and do a name search of the person who you are searching information on. It was the practice of the news papers of that era to report anything that was connected with the police or crime of that day, regardless of how small the piece was. You will find all sorts of information there if you are prepared to search.

You can also contact the Police & Justice Museum at Circular Quay. They have some records available there and will be more than happy to help you or advise you on your search.

19 thoughts on “Tracing Police Family Members”

  • Hi there

    I have a photo in the family album of a man with a NSW police hat and on his collar is “1625”. Is “1625” his service number or does it signify something else? The only record I have of a policeman in our genealogical tree is James Joyce who was appointed on 18 February 1879, worked around inner west suburbs of Sydney and was discharged as a Sergeant on on a pension on 18 February 1909. Do you think the number “1625” relates to him in anyway?

    Reply

    • Hi Kasey,
      I would love to see the photo, if you could DM it to me please?

      The number on the collar is called a ‘Service number’ and is different to his ‘Registered number’.

      My records show that the collar number, 1625, was issued to James DONNELLY, Police Registered number 6838 under the old Registered number scheme.
      James was born on 14 November 1867 in NSW and joined the Police on 24 April 1895 and died on 16 March 1942.

      My records further show that collar ( Service number ) number 1625 was issued to Claude Edward LANGSTON, NSWP Registered number 2105 under the old Registered number scheme.
      Claude was born on the 8 October 1897 in Moonbi, NSW ( a village 20k north of Tamworth, NSW ) and he joined the NSW Police on Friday 10 July 1925 and appears to have ‘left’ the Police on Monday 11 January 1926.

      That collar number was next issued to Alfred Boddington GIBSON, NSWP Registered number 2167 under the old Registered number scheme.
      Alfred was born on Friday 8 January 1904, in Sydney, and joined the NSW Police on Monday 25 January 1926 and appears to have stayed until at least Tuesday 7 January 1964.

      The same collar number was next issued to Kenneth Ernest TUCKER, NSWP Registered number 6349 under the current NSWPF Registered number scheme and Ken was a Police Cadet, number 539.
      Ken was born on Thursday 20 March 1930 at Narromine, NSW and joined the NSWPF on Thursday 12 July 1945.

      The number was next issued to Raymond Frederick WOOD, NSWP number 7947 ( under the current system ) who was born on Monday 22 April 1935 in Pelaw Main, NSW ( a hamlet a few kms west of Kurri Kurri ) and was still with the Police until at least 3 July 1983.

      James JOYCE was born in NSW in 1849 or 1851 and was a Probationary Constable with the NSWP as of 18 February 1879 and had a “Registered number” of 3411 under the old system of numbers.
      He was on a Police Pension at the time. He had been a Sergeant 2nd Class.
      James died on the 14 May 1912 and was buried on the 17 May 1912.
      James is buried at the Rookwood General Cemetery, Anglican Section 5, Zone C, Grave 3648 – 3649.
      https://rookwoodcemetery.discovereverafter.com/profile/26434490

      It is shown, on the Rookwood Cemetery website that he is buried with S.B.C. JOYCE & Walter JOYCE.

      That, I am afraid, is all the information I have on James JOYCE but he does NOT appear in MY records as having that collar number – which isn’t unusual as my records are not complete.

      With the information you now have on him, you can go to the National Archives at Kingsgrove ( Penrith area ) and actually view his Service Record which will contain all his details, Ranks, Stations of attachment, dates etc.

      If you do go that far – I would definitely love a copy to place on this website.

      regards

      Cal
      Retired NSWPF # 17463
      19765 – 2003

      Reply

      • Many thanks for all this info Cal.

        I doubt I’ll be getting to Kingsgrove anytime soon

        Regardless I’ve DM the photo I mentioned

        Reply

  • Hello, I was wondering if there are records available for NSW Police Officer Robert John Mcguire or Maguire 1936-2003.

    Thank you

    Reply
  • Kathryn Robinson
    13/08/2025 at 2:08 pm
    Permalink

    Hi
    I am looking for any information about Ian Campbell. (Deceased).
    He worked in the 21st division in 1975/76.
    He was a good friend of my mother.

    Reply
  • Courtenay Flinn
    08/04/2024 at 5:05 pm
    Permalink

    Hi, I am trying to find any records of my Great, grandfather Ronald Leslie Edwards (1917-1991). I know he was based in Redfern, NSW and later Batemans Bay, NSW. Unsure of Dates, but I imagine possibly started around late 1930’s/1940’s?
    Any info or leads would be appreciated, Thanks 🙂

    Reply

    • Hi Courtney,
      What I have on record is that R.L. EDWARDS had a NSW Police Registered number of 4456 ( Most probably your G/Gfather ) was born Tuesday 6 November 1917 and was a Probationary Constable as of Monday 13 May 1940 & a Sgt 2/class on 1 October 1965. On 27 July 1968 he was promoted to Sergeant 1st Class. In 1975 he was still at the same rank. By 1977 he doesn’t appear in my own records.
      He was working from Moruya Police Station as a Sgt 3rd Class between, at least Nov 1958 – April 1960.
      In August 1938 he was ‘possibly’ engaged to Nancy Stickland of Forbes – his family coming from Earlwood.
      Do a search on Trove ( trove.nla.gov.au ) and put in variations of his name to see what further information you can gain.
      You might also contact the NSW State Archives at Kingswood where his records would now be kept.

      Cal

      Reply
  • Wayne Mumford
    17/02/2024 at 2:41 pm
    Permalink

    Hi,
    I’m trying to locate former Detective Inspector Brian William MONTFORD (Mumford)
    He is my father’s brother sadly they parted on bad terms many many years ago. I just like to know if my uncle Brian is still alive and find if he’s children still around.
    I look forward to your reply.
    Regards
    Wayne Mumford

    Reply

    • Hi Wayne,
      Is your fathers’ name James William?
      As for Brian; the only information I can find on my system is that he joined the NSW Police Cadet system on Monday 12 December 1949.
      I can’t find any mention of a Mumford in the Detectives Centenary book and he doesn’t appear in any of my other literature.
      My suggestion would be to contact State Archives at Kensington, NSW,( out near Penrith ) 02 9673 1788 and see if his Service records are held there.

      If you do obtain any records, I would very much like a copy for my website records.

      regards

      Cal

      Reply
  • Kerry Brack
    09/02/2024 at 10:46 am
    Permalink

    Hello I am looking for William Brack who came from England on north Briton in 1843. He stayed and transferred to the mounted police. Do I need to make an appt before I travel to Kingswood?
    Thank you
    Kerry Brack

    Reply

    • Hi Kerry,
      I don’t have BRACK in my personal records but I would suggest you contact State Archives, Kingswood, prior to attending.

      regards

      Cal

      Reply

  • I am looking for any information about Herbert Brynmore Talarico (Former Police Officer, Deceased)
    Also ” ” John William Maddocks (Former Police Officer)

    Any information would be appreciated.
    Both were personal friends in the 1960’s and 1970’s

    Reply
  • Allan Hollingsworth
    09/08/2023 at 4:05 pm
    Permalink

    I’m looking for a john Lees an ex Victoria Police member with a 15??? number that I worked with. Are you able to assist. I am a member Retired police there.

    Reply
  • Louise Forbes
    26/03/2023 at 6:01 pm
    Permalink

    I have emailed a request for information but it has been blocked? Am I unable to send an email?

    Reply

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