HC Deb 27 May 1908 vol 189 c1099
MR. WATT (Glasgow, College)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many chief constables there are in England who have risen from the ranks in that profession; what class of men are preferred for the positions of head constables to those trained to the business; and if he will say why they are so preferred.

MR. GLADSTONE

Chief constables are appointed by the local police authorities, of whom there are 190 in all, subject only in the case of county forces to the Secretary of State's approval. I am unable to say how many have risen from the ranks, but the number is, I believe, considerable.