OCR Text |
Show CONSTABLES IN IRELAND- The Irish constabulary is in some respects the most remarkable police force in the world. Candidates for admission to its ranks must be over five feet nine inches high, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-three, and sound in mind and limb. The recruits are drilled in all respects like new recruits in the army, for six months. They are required, also, to go to school, and receive special instruction in the powers and duties of the police force. The statues are explained to the new men, and they are taught the proper mode of action in detecting, preventing, or arresting, particular classes of offenses. No member of the constabulary force can be stationed in his native county, but they are given places in counties next adjoining their own. At night they are armed with repeating rifles and with swords. The whole force can be concentrated in twelve battalions in twenty-four hours. |