The definitive source of all information for Met Police Officers was the Police Orders. These show the details of officers joining and where they were posted. Subsequent transfers and any promotions are also recorded together with officers’ discharges. Other information including commendations is also noted. Police Orders are particularly useful for identifying the reason for an officer incurring a disciplinary offence and the subsequent punishment given. Unfortunately finding a particular officer would be like looking for a needle in a very large haystack. However sometimes a Police Order reference is noted elsewhere and can be examined. Below is a sample Police Order showing the demotion of PS Meecham to PC. I have his 1911 Coronation Medal and his CRS card showed disciplinary offences and the relevant Police Order dates. Police Orders could be accessed through the Police Heritage Centre when it was open. A copy of all the Police Orders are held by the National Archives at Kew.
