In 1858 George Borlase Childs was asked about the sanitary conditions of the police force, and the report containing his answers reveals an insight into the living conditions of the men. Married men were permitted into the Force, providing they had no more than two children. They would live in their own homes, while single men lived in barracks. Each station accommodated a number of men for sleeping and living, and they also had a mess room, where officers could socialise and eat. Men had to buy food out of their own pay, and what they ate was not regulated β they could have what they wanted. They could also buy alcohol and, although drunkenness was punished, Borlase Childs commented on how they were fairly restrained in terms of drinking. Generally the Surgeon was satisfied with the barracks, although he did pick up on some issues. When asked if the air was sweet he answered βIt is not very; and that is a thing I have complained of. The men are not very cleanly.β At this time the officers were divided into day and night duties. While officers were out on day duties, the night officers would be in bed from 8am β 3pm. Any absentees would be punished. They would then go to work from 10pm until 6am, seven days a week, all year.
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