Francis James Bernard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis James Bernard
|
|
|---|---|
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 6, 1796 Westminster, London, England |
| Died | 19 December 1843 (aged 47) Batavia, Dutch East Indies |
| Spouse |
Esther Farquhar
(m. 1818; died 1838) |
| Relations | Justin Trudeau (4th-great grandson) |
| Children |
|
| Parents |
|
| Relatives |
|
| Profession | Police Chief |
| Police career | |
| Department | Singapore |
| Allegiance | British Empire |
| Years of service | 1820–1826 |
| Rank | Police Assistant |
Francis James Bernard (born July 6, 1796 – died December 19, 1843) was an important person in early Singapore. He became the very first police chief of the Police Force in Singapore. He also started the Singapore Chronicle, which was the first newspaper ever published in Singapore.
Contents
Early Roles in Singapore
When Singapore became a busy trading port in February 1819, Francis James Bernard was given an important job. He was appointed as the first Master Attendant. This meant he advised the governor on all things related to ships and the sea. He was also in charge of controlling all the ships in the harbor.
In April 1820, William Lawrence Flint took over the role of Master Attendant. Flint was the brother-in-law of Sir Stamford Raffles, who founded modern Singapore. The job title "Master Attendant" was later changed to Director of Marine in 1964.
Leading the First Police Force
In May 1820, Bernard took on a new challenge. He became the Police Assistant, leading Singapore's very first police force. He worked under the direction of his father-in-law, Major William Farquhar. Raffles officially approved this police force in August 1820.
Bernard did not have any police experience before this role. The first police force was very small, with only 12 men. They also had very limited resources.
At first, Bernard worked from his own home. This was a simple attap house, completed in December 1820. It was close to Farquhar's home, which is now where the Old Supreme Court Building stands.
In 1823, the police force moved to a stone building. This building used to be a storage house for an English merchant named Captain Methven. It was located at Ferry Point, near the front of the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall today. This new building even had lockups in its basement.
Founding Singapore's First Newspaper
Besides his police work, Bernard also started something new for the public. In 1824, he founded the Singapore Chronicle newspaper. This was a big step for communication and news in early Singapore.
Later Developments
In 1826, Singapore became part of the Straits Settlements. After this, the police force was placed under the command of the Resident Councillor, John Prince.
