Policing in byegone days

Is it to be wondered at that Bideford is always favoured with a courteous, happy-tempered body of policemen? Facing them from their office windows is the charming view of the famous old bridge with a foreground of tree tops that, in spring, are a mass of bloom.

From their Inspector downwards, Bideford’s police realise that one of Bideford’s chief functions is to welcome visitors and shoppers and within their strategic limits they exercise their discretion and good temper to the fullest extent.

Gazette article 3 October 1952