From the Richmond Examiner, 12/21/1865, p. 3, c. 3

THE POLICE CHANGE - THE MILITARY FORCE GO OUT, AND THE CIVIL FORCE COME IN – THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT FULLY TURNED OVER TO THE CIVIL AUTHORITIES, &C., &C., - Yesterday formed an important epoch in the municipal history of Richmond – the substitution of a new organized civil police for the military police, which has enforced law and order in the city since its occupation by the army of the United States, on the third of April last. No shock attended the transition from a state of military rule to the more agreeable order of things which the change inaugurates. Like a slight eclipse of the sun, few noticed it, and nobody felt any better nor any worse at the moment the mace of office was laid down by Major J. N. Croft and taken up by Major John H. Claiborne, as the new Chief of Police. There was a dissolving view of blue uniforms, and a coming in of the more natural colours of variegated citizen suits, without pretense to uniformity; a transfer of “stars” set in the Saturn ring – and the keeping of the good people of this good city was taken from strangers and confided to those who are among and of us. May they be faithful to their charge!

At 12 M., the hour appointed for the event, Chief of Police Claiborne, of the new force, entered the headquarters of Major Croft, the retiring Chief, accompanied by his Assistant, Captain R. S. Betts, and at once, without any formality, all the books and appurtenances of the office were turned over to the new Chief, with the prisoners in the cells.

Major Croft then made his bow and, with his captains, retired to the headquarters in the Market Hall. Here the force, a detail from the Twentieth New York, divested of the stars and maces, were drawn up in battle line, and Major Croft, stepping forward to their front, addressed the men a few remarks suggested by the occasion, thanking them for their fidelity to duty, and in conclusion expressing the hope that they would all reach their homes, their wives and sweethearts. He was followed by the captains of the retiring force in remarks similar in import. The men were thereupon dismissed finally, and during the day were returned to the camp of the Twentieth New York Regiment, from which they were detailed.

“We welcome the coming -
Speed the parting guest,”

But we cannot do it without a good word for Major Croft and his assistants, Captains Roche and Jackson. Personally, we have ever found them gentlemen, and ready to extend to us every courtesy, and facilitated, on numerous occasions, our laborious and weary search after that sine qua non of a reporter’s existence – items.

THE NEW FORCE – ITS ORGANIZATION.

All day yesterday Major Claiborne, Chief of Police, Captain Betts, his Assistant, and other officers were industriously engaged in the work of organization, which, like all other new machines, whether material or physical, must be expected to run a little wrong at the outset. At 12 o’clock, noon, the first relief left the headquarters to relieve the military police of officers and roundsmen then on street duty. Each man of the relief was armed with a new Colt’s six-shooter and a mace; and these are the weapons to be carried by every officer and private. Arrangements were also made for last night’s relief force to relieve those sent on their beats during the day, the former to turn out from the ward stations at six o’clock last evening; from which time the force would make their regular rounds of duty and detail.

The Chief of Police holds the headquarters at the old market. The captains on duty in the Chief’s ward and all the other wards, are to report to him in person, at his headquarters, at sunrise each morning. The Chief’s office will be in charge of Captain R. S. Betts during the daytime, and at night will be relieved by Captain George A. Freeman. These two gentlemen are excellent and meritorious officers. Captain Betts held a responsible position nigh the late Chief; and Captain Freeman, as High Constable of Richmond for many years, gained large and varied experience which he can now apply with great advantage. Captain Freeman will have the assistance of a sergeant at headquarters for night duty.

FIRST WARD. 

In the First Ward Captain Mitchell L. Admas and Captain John Poe are assigned to duty in charge of the men.

SECOND WARD.

In the Second Ward Captain Reuben T. Seal and Captain William S. Jenkins are in charge of the Station House. In charge of the men – E. H. Chalkley and Walter T. Bibb.

THIRD WARD.

In the Third Ward, Captain Charles Eppes and Captain William N. Kelly are in charge of the men, reporting and making the Second Ward Station their headquarters.

THE UNIFORM AND BADGE.

The present organization of the Richmond city police contemplates a uniform somewhat similar to the Metropolitan police of New York – frock-coat and cap, with the number inside a metal wreath, open at the top. The uniform is not yet ready, but a specimen cap can be seen at headquarters. A sergeant has a wreath but no stars.

The badge of the chief is a silver plate, slightly oval. Engraved upon it is the words, “Chief of Police, Richmond, December 8, 1865” – the date of his election to the office. The captains badges, are similar in construction, with the inscription, “Officer of Police.” The privates wear the familiar badge of the Military Police – a star set in a Saturn ring – until their new device can be obtained.

Premature praise is no compliment; therefore we shall withhold ours until the new police have given the community some evidence of their efficiency, by the prevention and detection of crimes that have grown so common, and the arrest of the head of criminals of every grade that are preying upon our citizens. There are immense moral Augean stables to be cleared out in this city. Hercules of the Club, go to work. This is one of the labours you have to perform.

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