British Columbia Provincial Police facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Columbia Provincial Police |
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Emblem of the BCPP
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| Abbreviation | BCPP |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | 1858 |
| Dissolved | August 15, 1950 |
| Superseding agency | RCMP "E" Division |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | British Columbia, Canada |
| General nature | |
The British Columbia Provincial Police (BCPP) was a special police force. It served the province of British Columbia, Canada. This police service operated from 1858 until 1950.
What Was the BCPP?
The BCPP was one of the very first police groups in North America. It was created in 1858 to keep order in the new Colony of British Columbia. This happened nine years before Canada became a country. It was also formed before other famous police forces like the North-West Mounted Police.
How the BCPP Started
The first leader of the BCPP was Chartres Brew. He was a former police officer from Ireland. Brew was given special powers to act like a judge. His main job was to keep the peace. Many people from the United States came to British Columbia for the gold rush. There was a worry they might try to take over the land. The BCPP helped protect the new colony.
More Than Just Police Officers
Because British Columbia was very isolated and had few people, the BCPP officers did many different jobs. They were not just police officers! They also worked as:
- Registrars (keeping official records)
- Tax collectors
- Statisticians (collecting facts and figures)
- Meteorologists (studying the weather)
- Postmasters (running the post offices)
Over time, the BCPP focused more on just being a police force. They provided police services across British Columbia. This included both the main land and Vancouver Island.
The End of the BCPP
The British Columbia Provincial Police stopped operating on August 15, 1950. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) took over their duties. Specifically, the RCMP's "E" Division replaced the BCPP.
Leaders of the BCPP
- Chartres Brew (1858-1870)
- Otway J.J. Wilkie (Chief Constable in New Westminster and Fraser Valley starting 1861)
