Australian Police

Australian Police

The Thin Blue Line – Australian Police

William SPAIN

image_pdfimage_print
Inspector General William Spain
January 1851 to December 1851William SPAIN - NSWPF - Commission 1851 William Spain was born at Cowes, Isle of Wight.  In 1841 he undertook the role of Commissioner to examine land claims for New Zealand settlers under the guidelines of the Waitangi Treaty.  After sustained criticism, he left New Zealand in 1845 for Sydney and practised as a solicitor for six years.

In 1851, Spain accepted the appointment of Inspector General of Police.  However, his time was marred by criticism from the press and members of council.  The discovery of gold added impossible burdens to his duty and he resigned that year.

The 1862 Police Regulation Act owes much to Spain.